[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Hyewon] On the 18th, Bae Hyunjin, a member of the People Power Party, proposed a revision to the "Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act" to prevent mandatory COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women.
The amendment includes a newly established clause stating that the state or local governments must not make vaccinations mandatory for pregnant women.
It also stipulates that no one shall discriminate against or provide disadvantages to pregnant women for not receiving vaccinations.
According to Representative Bae, this amendment aims to curb such measures as the quarantine authorities are effectively forcing vaccinations on pregnant women through the vaccine pass system.
The Central Disease Control Headquarters (CDCH) stated in a briefing on the same day, "Pregnant women are considered a high-risk group for COVID-19 and fall under the recommended vaccination target, making it difficult to recognize them as exceptions to the vaccine pass."
Representative Bae said, "In reality, most pregnant women are cautious even about taking a single cold medicine, fearing any minor issues for the fetus," adding, "This reflects the fear of vaccines whose safety has not been finally verified, especially ignoring potential side effects on the fetus."
She emphasized, "The quarantine authorities should no longer force pregnant women to get vaccinated through the vaccine pass."
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