A recent decision of the Ontario Supreme Court, CMG v. DWS (2015) ONSC 2201 dealt with whether a 10 year old girl should receive a measles vaccination.

 

The child’s parents could not agree. The mother believed in naturopathic medicine and the father believed in traditional Western medicine.

 

The judge stated in his decision that he did not agree with the mother’s “rigidly held beliefs” because they were not supported in the scientific community and the child was vaccinated.

 

Interestingly courts can only assist parents in making parenting decisions if they are separated. Non-separated parents cannot seek a court order regarding what is in the child’s best interests.

Deborah Todd Family Law Victoria

Deborah A. Todd