Jessica Biel Has Come Under Fire From Fans For Appearing To Be Anti-Vaccination

 

UPDATE 2.30pm: Since the story first emerged Jessica has taken to Instagram to clarify her stance on the matter.

She said: “This week I went to Sacramento to talk to legislators in California about a proposed bill. I am not against vaccinations — I support children getting vaccinations and I also support families having the right to make educated medical decisions for their children alongside their physicians.”

“My concern with [the state bill] #SB277 is solely regarding medical exemptions. My dearest friends have a child with a medical condition that warrants an exemption from vaccinations, and should this bill pass, it would greatly affect their family’s ability to care for their child in this state,” she added.

She also encouraged followers to read up on the bill: “That’s why I spoke to legislators and argued against this bill. Not because I don’t believe in vaccinations, but because I believe in giving doctors and the families they treat the ability to decide what’s best for their patients and the ability to provide that treatment. I encourage everyone to read more on this issue and to learn about the intricacies of #SB277. Thank you to everyone who met with me this week to engage in this important discussion!”

 

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A post shared by Jessica Biel (@jessicabiel) on Jun 13, 2019 at 5:32am PDT

EARLIER: Actress Jessica Biel is under fire from some fans after appearing to be anti-vaccination.

The mother of one visited the California State Capitol this week to lobby against a state bill ( SB 276) that would limit medical exemptions from vaccinations without approval from a state public health officer. If this bill passes it would be almost mandatory for children to vaccinate their children except in rare circumstances, which Jessica appears to be against.

Vaccinations can protect children from illness and diseases such as measles.

She was pictured with Robert F. Kennedy Jr, an environmental activist and known anti-vaxxer. They teamed up to speak with lawmakers about their opposition to the bill.

 

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A post shared by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (@robertfkennedyjr) on Jun 11, 2019 at 6:27pm PDT

“Please say thank you to the courageous @jessicabiel for a busy and productive day at the California State House,” he captioned the pic. 

Robert (who is the son of Robert and Ethel, and a nephew of JFK) founded Children’s Health Defense which focuses on making false claims that vaccines are insufficiently tested and contain toxic levels of mercury.

Neither Jessica nor her representatives have commented on her involvement, but that hasn’t stopped fans from calling her out on Instagram.

“Please support vaccines and science. Vaccines help people, especially those vulnerable, such as immune compromised children. Stop supporting anti-science rhetoric,” one follower said.

“You are cancelled. Stop spreading incorrect and dangerous information,” another said.

Another comment read: “Anti-vaccine? Really???? This a public health issue! People are dying because of measles!”

One lengthy post said: “As a physician I am compelled to tell you that you are being irresponsible for encouraging vaccine hesitancy and putting our most vulnerable populations at risk – children, immunocompromised and pregnant individuals. As a woman who is currently pregnant I ask you to think about how you have chosen to use your influence to encourage actions that put me and my soon to be born child at risk. Vaccines don’t offer 100% protection thus we rely on herd immunity for protection. I am healthy and vaccinated but if I contract measles I could die. Please use your influence to better the lives of others not worsen them.”

However, the actress also gained some new followers, who thanked her for her anti-vaxx stance.

“I will be watching EVERYTHING the Timberlake’s do !! Thank you for supporting medical freedom and the US Constitution!!” one said.

“Thank you for what you are doing on 276!!!” another said.

It’s not the first time there’s been speculation around Jessica’s stance. In 2015 it was reported that she and Justin Timberlake would not be vaccinating their son Silas.

 

 

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• Jessica Biel
• Justin Timberlake