Idaho Lawmakers Debate Restrictions on mRNA Vaccines Amidst “Medical Freedom” Concerns

Idaho lawmakers recently considered a bill that would temporarily ban the administration of mRNA vaccines, including those for COVID-19, to children and pregnant women. The debate highlights ongoing tensions surrounding “medical freedom” and the role of the legislature in healthcare decisions.

Legislative Action and Initial Veto

In the final days of the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers initially overcame a veto by Governor Brad Little to pass a measure prohibiting businesses, including daycares, from requiring medical interventions like vaccines and masks. However, a subsequent bill proposed by Senator Brandon Shippy, R-New Plymouth, took a different approach, aiming for a two-year moratorium on administering mRNA vaccines.

Bill’s Purpose and Concerns from Medical Professionals

The proposed moratorium was intended to allow time for state lawmakers to review safety data related to mRNA vaccines. However, the bill sparked significant concern among medical professionals. Susie Keller, head of the Idaho Medical Association, argued that the bill would infringe upon both pregnant patients’ medical freedom and parents’ rights to choose medical treatment for their children. She expressed concern that the legislature, composed of laypeople, was overstepping its bounds by attempting to dictate which FDA-approved therapies Idahoans could access.

mRNA Vaccines and Gene Therapy

The bill focused on “certain human gene therapy products,” with exceptions for cancer and genetic disorders. Retired physician Dr. David Pate, former CEO of St. Luke’s Health System, clarified that mRNA vaccines are not, in fact, gene therapy.

Arguments for and Against the Bill

Senator Shippy defended the bill by drawing parallels to existing restrictions on harmful substances for children, such as cigarettes and alcohol. He argued that the legislature has a precedent for taking action based on safety data. Keller countered that the bill was based on a flawed premise – that the COVID vaccine hadn’t undergone a full review – and pointed out that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had completed its full review of both the Pfizer vaccine in mid-2021 and the Moderna vaccine in early 2022. These vaccines are fully FDA-approved.

Previous Attempts and Current Status

Shippy had previously proposed a broader, decade-long pause on mRNA COVID vaccines in 2025. As of March 5, 2026, the Senate Health and Welfare Committee had voted to send Shippy’s bill to the Senate floor for amendments. Governor Little has five days to sign or veto any legislation passed by the legislature, after which bills automatically become law.

This story was originally published March 5, 2026, at 3:28 PM.