Based on incurable ignorance, misinformation, and distrust in science, Senate Republicans advanced legislation that would prohibit a person from administering a gene-based vaccine to another in the state even is the person requested the vaccine.
Gene-based vaccine is defined in the bill as “a vaccine developed using messenger ribonucleic acid technology, modified messenger ribonucleic acid technology, self-amplifying messenger ribonucleic acid technology or deoxyribonucleic acid technology.” To simplify, this definition means mRNA vaccines, like those developed for COVID-19.
The bill would not allow a person to administer a gene-based vaccine to another, while classifying the penalty as a simple misdemeanor and a $500 fine per incident.
Sen. Molly Donahue, D-Marion, was in opposition, saying the COVID-19 vaccine prevented millions of deaths during the pandemic and that the legislation to ban mRNA vaccines was “trampling” on the rights of Iowans.
She also said the legislation could harm Iowa in the future if passed, pointing to the measles outbreak in Texas and the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza.
