Measles Outbreaks and Vaccine Debate Within the Catholic Community

Recent measles outbreaks at Catholic institutions in the United States have sparked concerns about exposure to the disease and renewed discussions surrounding vaccination. While the Catholic Church generally recommends vaccination, complex ethical considerations exist, particularly regarding vaccines developed using cell lines derived from aborted fetuses.

Outbreaks Reported at Catholic Centers

Ave Maria Catholic University in Florida reported a measles outbreak on its campus in late January 2026. The institution responded by isolating and quarantining those exposed or infected. the Washington, D.C. Department of Health reported multiple confirmed cases of measles at locations connected to the Catholic Church, including the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the National March for Life, and the Catholic University of America, on February 8, 2026.

Church’s Position on Vaccination

Public health authorities are urging individuals to ensure they are up-to-date on their measles vaccinations, typically administered through the MMR vaccine. The Catholic Church encourages vaccination while acknowledging individual autonomy in healthcare decisions. Deacon Tim Flanigan, a physician and professor of infectious diseases at Brown Medical School, described vaccines as “the most effective way to prevent many serious viral diseases,” particularly in children. He noted that, as of 2025, the U.S. Had seen over 2,000 measles cases, with up to 5% of infected children requiring hospitalization and facing potential complications like seizures, brain infection, and pneumonia.

Ethical Concerns Regarding Vaccine Production

Some Catholics and pro-life advocates have raised concerns about the use of cell lines derived from human fetuses aborted decades ago in the development of certain vaccines. Yet, Deacon Flanigan clarified that the Church “encourages the use of vaccines, whenever possible, that are not derived from cell lines from an aborted fetus.” If no alternative exists, the Church does not recommend avoiding a vaccine produced using such cell lines.

Balancing Public Health and Ethical Considerations

Joseph Capizzi, a professor of moral theology and ethics at the Catholic University of America, explained that the relationship between vaccines and abortion has been a concern for the Church since the vaccines’ development. The Church has cautioned against the use of vaccines that depend on cells derived from the destruction of human beings, but also recognizes that, in certain circumstances, public health concerns may justify using an ethically problematic vaccine when no alternative is available, provided efforts to develop ethical alternatives continue.

Individual Conscience and the Common Good

Both Capizzi and Flanigan emphasized that the Church ultimately respects individual conscience. The Church “defends the right of a person, in conscience, to oppose mandatory vaccination,” Capizzi stated, but also urges Catholics to fulfill their obligation to the community by receiving “basic care,” including reasonable vaccination, when public health needs are considered. Flanigan added that the Church “recognizes the importance of autonomy and that the final decision to accept a vaccine or any medical intervention rests with the discretion of each individual,” while also encouraging consideration of medical expert advice.

The National Catholic Bioethics Center’s Perspective

John Brehany, executive vice president of the National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), stated that the Church has never condemned immunization and has frequently promoted it over the past 200 years. The NCBC advocates for a “virtuous” approach to vaccines, involving careful evaluation of benefits and risks, and ensuring information sources are truthful, and reliable. Brehany noted that the issue is “very complex” and that the focus should not be solely on the patient, but also on the ethical obligations of healthcare professionals, governments, and pharmaceutical companies to ensure vaccine safety, effectiveness, and fair policies.

Navigating Vaccine Decisions

Brehany emphasized that a vaccine is a medical intervention with potential long-term effects, and decisions should be made with free and informed consent. He also cautioned against extreme positions and encouraged a balanced approach, avoiding emotional reactions and superficial answers. He highlighted the importance of considering individual circumstances, the nature of the disease, and applicable laws or regulations when making vaccine decisions.