A case in New Zealand underscores the real-world impact of anti-vaccine misinformation. The parents of a 6-month-old with a congenital heart defect refused life-saving surgery for the baby unless they could ensure that only blood from unvaccinated people was used. Doctors insisted that the demand was impractical because the baby would likely need plasma that is pooled from multiple donors and New Zealand blood banks don’t screen donations by vaccination status. A judge ordered that the baby be temporarily placed in the custody of the hospital. The baby’s surgery was completed on Friday, and he is reportedly doing well and recovering with his parents in the hospital. The case has ignited anti-vaccine groups worldwide who argue that parents should have the final say in their child’s health—even at the expense of the child’s life.
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