To the editor: Vaccines generally have nothing to do with abortions or fetuses. This has become widely confused or skewed among the population. (“It is time to close the loophole of religious refusal to vaccinate,” October 7th)
In particular, the vaccines used against COVID-19 have nothing to do with it. The mRNA vaccines are made entirely synthetically. The RNA itself is made in a laboratory using an instrument called a gene machine. I have one of these in my lab and I could make the RNA today if I wanted to.
The lipids in the nanoparticles that transport the RNA into a person’s cells so they can make the viral spike protein (which gives immunity) were also made in a laboratory. The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines and all of their components have never been present in anything living – not in a cell, not in a hen’s egg, in anything.
Both scientific and religious leaders, including the Pope, have said that these vaccines do not raise moral, ethical, or religious concerns. An alleged religious exception cannot therefore be based on an alleged link between vaccines and abortion.
Michael Pirrung, Irvine
The author is Professor of Chemistry at UC Riverside and Professor of Pharmacy at UC Irvine.
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To the Editor: Claiming a religious exception pretending to honor God but which is in fact a lie is a dangerous form of blasphemy that invites a supernatural reaction.
Respect for the rights and safety of others is a core tenet in several religions. Karma can be a real pain when we forget this truth and wrap ourselves in the cloth of self-centeredness.
Craig Darian, Hollywood
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To the editor: Praise to the columnist Michael Hiltzik for the deconstruction of the frauds with religious exemptions from anti-Vaxxers.
His insightful point of view should encourage reflection on how in our supposedly secular democracy so many hypocritical charlatans could develop “an entire industry telling people how to play the exemption” of vaccination regulations.
Don’t blame President Biden. Remember how his predecessor appointed three ultra-conservative judges to the US Supreme Court. These three appointments formed a majority bloc that reliably honors self-proclaimed religious freedom claims made to oppose scientifically-based pandemic measures by state and local governments.
Thankfully, Biden was able to overcome his predecessor’s COVID-19 misinformation. But he has long been hampered by a high court that bends back to accommodate dubious beliefs.
Sarah S. Williams, Santa Barbara
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To the editor: If Texans want religious exemptions for vaccines, why can’t women use the same argument in favor of an abortion?
Their religion allows abortions. Why not? Spread that word.
Bernadine Bednarz, Los Angeles
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