This program focuses on a variety of issues related to parental rights regarding childhood vaccinations, including the origins of immunization hesitancy, and the medical community’s response to the parent who refuses to vaccinate their child. Edgar Marcuse, professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, discusses the nature and scope of immunization hesitancy and vaccine refusal in the United States. Dr. Marcuse identifies societal factors contributing to immunization hesitancy and discusses the tension between protecting the public's health and protecting the individual's right to choose. Joel Frader, professor at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, discusses the pediatricians' view of families who refuse vaccines and identifies the moral issues in responding to vaccine refusal. He also discusses options for physicians when parents refuse to vaccinate their children. From the Series:2006 Pediatric Bioethics Conference: Ethical Issues Related to Vaccination of Children