Vermont Bill: H 61

Bill Summary

Vermont H.61 would prohibit any state agency, employer, business, educational institution, or other entity from interfering with an individual's right to make their own health care decisions, including the right to refuse medical interventions, testing, treatments, or vaccines based on religious, conscientious, or personal beliefs. The bill prevents discrimination in employment, education, travel, childcare, insurance, and recreational activities based on health care choices. These protections would remain in effect even during public health emergencies. Individuals harmed by violations could sue for injunctive relief, damages, and attorney's fees.

Why It Matters to MAHA

MAHA strongly supports this bill because it protects individual bodily autonomy and informed consent in medical decision-making, preventing coercion by government agencies, employers, and institutions. The bill safeguards individuals from being forced to accept pharmaceutical interventions like vaccines against their will, aligning with MAHA's opposition to pharmaceutical industry overreach and mandatory medical treatments. By maintaining these protections even during emergencies, the bill prevents the kind of public health mandates that MAHA views as harmful government and corporate power grabs. This legislation empowers individuals to make health decisions based on their own values and beliefs rather than being dictated to by federal agencies or corporate interests.