Having kids has always been part of the plan for me and my wife but now I’m questioning everything. I’m 35 and my wife is 32 and we’ve been trying to start a family. However a recent disagreement about vaccinations has thrown a wrench into our plans and left us at an impasse.
I believe in following medical recommendations for immunizations against diseases like meningitis measles mumps rubella and polio. These vaccines have been proven to save lives and prevent serious illnesses.
My wife on the other hand has become hesitant about vaccinating any future children. She insists on waiting until they’re at least 5 to 7 years old citing concerns about potential links to autism or harmful side effects ideas she’s encountered through TikTok and Instagram videos.
Her stance has made me pause. I’ve put having children on hold until we can come to an agreement because I want to ensure we’re on the same page when it comes to something as critical as our future children’s health. My wife is understandably upset but I can’t bring myself to move forward without resolving this issue.
Since sharing this dilemma many have weighed in with their thoughts.
One person a physician explained “The claims about vaccines causing autism particularly with the MMR vaccine were debunked years ago. The doctor behind that study Andrew Wakefield was discredited and stripped of his medical license.
The journal that published the study retracted it with an apology. Vaccines save lives. Diseases like measles and polio once eradicated are resurging because of misinformation.”
Another added “You’re considering starting a family with someone who takes medical advice from TikTok? If she can’t be persuaded with facts and evidence from credible medical sources I’d reconsider not just having children but the relationship itself.”
I understand my wife’s concerns come from a place of wanting to protect our future children but I struggle to reconcile her reliance on influencers over decades of medical research.
I feel strongly that this issue needs to be resolved before we take the next step but the disagreement has left us at a standstill. For now I’m prioritizing the health and well-being of the children we hope to have someday if we can find a way to move forward together.