Family Faces Lawsuit for Refusing Baby Vaccinations and Heel Blood Screening – Latest News from Türkiye
Family Faces Legal Action for Refusing Heel Blood Collection and Vaccinations for Newborns
In a recent case in Istanbul, a family has come under scrutiny for refusing heel blood collection from their newborn babies. Notably, this family has also chosen to forgo childhood vaccinations for their children. As a result, the Ministry of Family and Social Services has filed a complaint against the family and requested that necessary health measures be taken for the baby. The judicial process has been initiated.
The principle of the best interests of the child is at the center of this controversy. Professor Dr. Adem Sözüer, a lecturer at Istanbul University Faculty of Law, emphasizes that the laws prioritize the health and well-being of the child. It is the family’s obligation to ensure the physical and mental health of their child, and the failure to fulfill this obligation is considered a crime that requires appropriate measures.
Heel blood collection, which involves drawing a small amount of blood from the heel of a newborn baby within the first 72 hours, plays a vital role in detecting hereditary and metabolic diseases early. This early detection allows for timely treatment and prevents permanent damage. Thousands of babies’ lives are saved each year thanks to this screening procedure.
Dr. Adem Aydın, a lecturer at Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, highlights the significant improvements achieved through blood screening and vaccination. He emphasizes that the scans depend on factors such as the availability of vaccines. However, some families not only reject vaccines but also refuse heel blood screening for their babies. It begs the question of whether parents have the right to compromise their child’s health.
Professor Dr. Sözüer emphasizes that while a child is a parent’s responsibility, they cannot make decisions about their child’s well-being as if they were an object. The best interests of the child take precedence, and custody can be taken away if necessary. Turkey has laws in place to address these issues, but their effective enforcement remains a concern.
Dr. Aydın reinforces the idea that vaccination is a child’s right, and organizations like the World Health Organization and UNICEF advocate for the best interests of the child. Hence, leaving the decision of screening solely to the family may not be in the child’s best interest.
This case highlights the importance of prioritizing the health and well-being of newborns. It serves as a reminder that parents must consider the best interests of their children when making decisions concerning their health. The enforcement of laws on this matter is crucial for safeguarding the rights and welfare of children in Turkey.
