HARRISBURG — Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-12th, was joined by dozens of children and their families Tuesday to introduce a bill that aims to stop denial of medical care for those who decline or delay vaccinations.

House Bill 286, the Pennsylvania Vaccine Informed Consent Protection Act, would prohibit pediatricians from denying care and “other forms of discrimination” against patients, parents and guardians who choose to opt out of or alter a vaccination schedule.

Metcalfe pointed to those assembled around him who had been injured or had adverse reactions to vaccinations as the main benefactors of the bill. He said it ensures that children still have access to care when their parents use due diligence in making decisions about vaccinations.

Metcalfe was clear in stating the bill is not about the value of vaccines.

“This isn't about whether or not vaccines are good or bad,” he said. “This is about making sure that children are having the best decisions for their health made by their parents, that their access to health care that their parents are searching for on their behalf, isn't interfered with by organizations.”

This is an excerpt — read more about the news conference in Wednesday's Butler Eagle.