[Editor's Note: As explained in another
article posted at this web site by Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, this Associated
Press story continues to hammer out distortions and untruths concerning
the smallpox hysteria being mounted by mainstream media (or government propaganda
outlet-your call). There are MANY ways to cure smallpox and none of
them require taking pharmaceuticals. The TRUE averaged mortality rate for
smallpox is closer to 3%, not 30% as hyped in this story. Vaccination is
NOT NECESSARY to protect against smallpox and home quarantine alone, coupled
with natural forms of immunity boosting will prevent its spread and minimize
mortality. Many more people than ONE or TWO will die per million as claimed
in this story. In the Phillipines, the US government's FORCED vaccination
program KILLED over 75,000 Filipinos with the smallpox vaccine and
caused injury to many more. That's in a country with a total population of
2 million people.
Of course, they want to avoid being legally liable! Who loses in that deal:
You or the 'health care' system? Your only possible remedy? Sue
the government! Ever try suing the Federal government for anything?
...Ken Adachi]
By Laura Meckler, Associated Press Writer
http://educate-yourself.org/vcd/smallpoxliabilitybill14nov02.shtml
Nov 13, 2002
WASHINGTON (AP) - Congress is set to give special legal protection for
health care workers who will be delivering smallpox vaccines, clearing one
of the stickiest issues in the smallpox debate.
Under a new provision in the homeland security bill, poised for approval
this week, people or facilities that deliver the dangerous but highly effective
inoculations would not face personal liability from lawsuits by people injured
or killed by the vaccine. Instead, the federal government would defend any
suit and pay any damages. Victims could get compensated for their injuries,
but not receive punitive damages.
The development comes as President Bush considers who should get the smallpox
vaccine and how quickly to offer it. Health officials who met with the president
Wednesday favor a plan that would begin by offering the vaccine to people
most likely to see a contagious smallpox patient - starting with hospital
emergency room workers. Eventually, it would be offered to the general public,
probably by early 2004.
Others in the White House, including Vice President Dick Cheney, have favored
offering the vaccine to the public more quickly, even before the Food and
Drug Administration licenses it.
Bush has not said what approach he prefers.
The liability question is one of several that has delayed action.
"Because of the risks associated with the smallpox vaccine, many health
professionals may be unwilling to give the vaccine without some measure of
liability protection," said Sen. Bill Frist, R-Tenn., a leader on bioterrorism
issues who has been pushing this issue for months. "The threat of lawsuits
mustn't be a barrier to protecting the American people."
The issue touches on the larger question of tort reform. That divides Republicans,
who generally want to limit lawsuits, and Democrats, who generally want
to preserve people's right to sue. But there was little sign of opposition
on this provision, which is targeted specifically to the smallpox vaccine.
Smallpox was declared eradicated in 1980, and all stocks of the virus were
supposed to be destroyed, except for samples in special labs in Atlanta
and Moscow. Experts fear Iraq or terrorist groups have secret supplies of
the virus and may release it.
The U.S. population is highly vulnerable to an attack with smallpox, which
has no known treatment and historically has killed 30 percent of its victims.
Routine vaccinations ended in the United States in 1972, and experts believe
those last vaccinated more than three decades ago have little if any residual
immunity.
But the vaccine is not without risks. It is made with a live virus called
vaccinia that can cause serious damage both to people vaccinated and to
those with whom they come into close contact. Experts estimate that 15 out
of every 1 million people being vaccinated for the first time will face
life-threatening complications, and one or two will die.
The most common serious reaction comes when vaccinia escapes from the inoculation
spot, often because people touch the spot and then touch their eyes or mouth,
or someone else. For instance, the virus transferred to the eye can cause
blindness. Other fatal side effects include encephalitis, which can cause
paralysis or permanent neurologic damage, and progressive vaccinia, where
the virus spreads, eating away at flesh, bone and gut.
People would be told the risks before they are vaccinated. Still, lawsuits
could be filed if someone is killed or injured.
Under the provision now part of the homeland security bill, the Federal
Tort Claims Act would be extended to any person or facility that provides
the vaccine under a plan issued by the federal government. Under this act,
cases would be tried in federal court using the appropriate state law.
The homeland security bill is expected to pass the House and Senate before
lawmakers adjourn their lame-duck session this week.
Web posted at: http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGAB15VWH8D.html
All information posted on this web site is
the opinion of the author and is provided for educational purposes only.
It is not to be construed as medical advice. Only a licensed medical doctor
can legally offer medical advice in the United States. Consult the healer
of your choice for medical care and advice.