Australian families with roots in countries where ruthless government oppression knew no bounds, will remember that families, and in particular parental authority, was deemed an obstruction in the realisation of utopian pursuits. Amongst others, Stalin’s Soviet Union, communist Eastern Europe and Mao’s China immediately come to mind. Is it possible that Australia is heading down a similar trajectory? The performances of some government officials, bureaucrats, and journalists over the past two years have caused concern for many Australians, but maybe none like one Melbourne based doctor.
In a 28th of January 2022 article on news.com.au, Melbourne university professor and paediatrician, John Massie, has reportedly been encouraging doctors to vaccinate children as young as 12 without their parents’ permission. The article also quotes extracts from his contributions to the Medical Journal of Australia and an MJA podcast. A link to the full article can be found here: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/kids/paediatrician-says-children-as-young-as-12-should-be-vaccinated-against-their-parents-wishes/news-story/e35e8635614025c522cc3625a798bd98#share-tools
On the matter of vaccination without parental approval Professor Massie is quoted as saying: “Parents are legal and natural decision-makers for their kids, but they don’t have absolute authority or absolute sovereignty over their kids … We wouldn’t be encouraging kids to keep it a secret unless they had to. We would like kids to tell their parents that they’ve had it.”
The insidious train of thought continues as follows: “Then as the kids are a bit older, then sort of less relying on the parental input,” ... “And if the parents are refusing something that the doctor and the kid think is good for them, then the weighting of the parent’s view becomes much less.”
The article goes on to quote Professor Massie and his co-authors as follows: “They say there is 'no minimum age for a mature minor’, as so-called Gillick competence – based on a UK case which affirmed the right of minors to receive contraception – is assessed by clinicians on a case-by-case basis”.
And just in case a doctor or clinician thought there may be legal implications for vaccinating children without approval, the Professor was quick to reassure them there is nothing to worry about. He says: “The federal government has indemnified clinicians and implemented a no-fault claims process for the Covid-19 vaccine. This applies to vaccines given at any age, including to young people aged 12-17 years. Therefore, negligence claims in the event of a vaccine adverse event should not be a reason to deter a vaccine provider from giving the vaccine.”
“Speaking on the MJA Podcast, Prof Massie said he was also recommending children as young as five get the vaccine, even though 'we don’t have lots of data about the serious’ side effects.” It is not altogether clear from the article, whether the Professor thinks pre-schoolers should be able to evade parental authority and get jabbed if they felt they needed it.
As deeply troubling as Professor Massie’s opinion is, the readers’ comments that followed were reassuring in their overwhelming rejection of the Professor’s position. Surely, all parents would insist on assuming responsibility for their underaged child’s health choices. However, Australians must not be complacent for it is the “expert advice” of authorities like the Professor that bureaucrats convert into public policy which our elected officials in turn diligently put into practice.
Parents are inherently, naturally, and understandably concerned about the possible dangers of Covid-19 vaccination of children, not to mention the ominous threat of possible mandatory vaccination of minors. Despite the aggressive assurances of politicians and the media to the contrary, the jury is still out on the efficacy and long-term safety of the currently available vaccines. The categorical shutting down of open discussion on any aspect of the official narrative is of grave concern for our liberal democracy - a democracy founded on Judeo-Christian liberties and principles.
As the Omicron wave peaks and there is no sign of a successor variant to fear, it is surely time to pause and think things through. Our own faithful are becoming more distrustful of government as the saga unfolds. The CDC tells us that the mRNA vaccines offer next to no protection against Omicron. Why then, they ask, the frenzied charge to vaccinate and boost?!
Parents! Nobody in this world loves or cares about your children more than you - nobody! Not even the most well-intentioned social worker, doctor, clergyman, teacher, the distinguished Professor, or anybody else. Your children are your legal responsibility and whilst you may consult and seek assistance from time to time from the wealth of wonderful professionals and services available, know that you are justified in insisting on your parental rights. As Christians, rest assured that your role as parent is sacred. There is no need to fear, although you must be vigilant. Be brave to ensure you successfully guide your children through these difficult times. And most importantly, have faith.
Faith in Christ - the Way, the Truth and the Life.
Through the prayers of our holy intercessor St Sava,
+Siluan
Bishop of Australia and New Zealand
The Serbian Orthodox Church