Bill Summary
House Bill 61 creates a new chapter in Vermont law recognizing each individual’s right to bodily autonomy, to make their own health care decisions, and to accept or refuse any medical intervention, test, treatment, or vaccine based on personal, religious, or conscientious beliefs. It prohibits state agencies, employers, schools, businesses, and other entities from denying opportunities or imposing conditions in areas such as employment, education, travel, child care, insurance, and recreation because a person exercises these rights, applies even during declared emergencies, and creates a private right of action in Superior Court for those harmed by violations.
House Bill 61 creates a new chapter in Vermont law recognizing each individual’s right to bodily autonomy, to make their own health care decisions, and to accept or refuse any medical intervention, test, treatment, or vaccine based on personal, religious, or conscientious beliefs. It prohibits state agencies, employers, schools, businesses, and other entities from denying opportunities or imposing conditions in areas such as employment, education, travel, child care, insurance, and recreation because a person exercises these rights, applies even during declared emergencies, and creates a private right of action in Superior Court for those harmed by violations.
Why It Matters to the Make America Healthy Again Movement
The MAHA Movement supports this bill because it codifies true medical freedom in Vermont by forbidding coercion or punishment for refusing tests, treatments, or vaccines. By protecting bodily autonomy across work, school, travel, and daily life—even in emergencies—and giving individuals the power to sue when their rights are violated, H.61 aligns directly with MAHA’s core commitment to informed consent and the right to say no to unwanted medical interventions.