Supreme Court Reviews New York Vaccine Exemption Ban Amid Public Health Debate

The U.S. Supreme Court has ordered a review of New York's ban on religious exemptions for vaccinations, which impacts strict vaccine requirements in schools. This development follows a significant measles outbreak in 2019 that led to the state eliminating such exemptions.

The court's action vacates a ruling by the Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, which previously upheld the ban. The case was initiated by Amish individuals and schools in Rochester, arguing that the ban infringes on their religious rights.

The Second Circuit had noted a growing number of parents seeking religious exemptions prior to the 2019 change, which was seen as undermining public health efforts. New York remains one of only five states without religious or personal exemptions for school vaccine requirements, a situation that may be influenced by this Supreme Court review.