At The Wellness Way, we are committed to supporting health freedom and each individual’s right to informed consent. In order for health freedoms to remain intact, we believe it is critically important to be on guard and defend them. But what exactly do we mean by health freedom, why does it matter, and what practical steps can be taken on an individual level to support it?
Health Freedom Defined
Let’s start with a question: Is health freedom a right given to you by the government or a right you already have?
If we look at the Declaration of Independence, we find the answer: all people are “endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights,” among which are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.⁽¹⁾
Our right to a life of liberty and freedom guided by personal choice is not a right granted by the government. It is God-given and intrinsic. It is not the job of the government to impose restrictions, mandates, and orders on people that take away their personal liberties, including when it comes to the health decisions they make for themselves and their families.
Health freedom is the internal agency and autonomy that lies within each individual to make their own choices regarding their health, and subsequently to live with the consequences of those choices. For children or those otherwise unable to make informed healthcare choices, it is the responsibility of the parent or legal guardian to advocate wisely on their behalf.
Why Does Health Freedom Matter?
As we often say at The Wellness Way, each body is different and requires a unique approach to health care based on many factors. We believe this is true for every individual on the planet! A certain medical choice may not negatively impact one person but may be very damaging to the next. All individuals have the responsibility and right to do their research, understand risks and benefits, educate themselves, and make the appropriate decision based on their personal and clinical findings, beliefs, and values.
If we do not stand for our liberties, we will lose them. As we are already seeing in the current healthcare climate, many are being faced with choices they never thought they’d have to make due to requirements imposed by the government, employers, schools, and other institutions.⁽²⁾⁽³⁾
This is wrong, unconstitutional, and deeply troubling. But we are not without hope.
The United States of America was founded on principles of liberty and personal responsibility. Many Americans, including many healthcare professionals, still hold these principles to be prized and protected. With threats to health freedom rising at an alarming rate, now is the time to stand for freedom like never before.
We are on the front lines of that fight and invite you to join us.
Fighting for Health Freedom: Practical Steps
So, what can you do?
- Download our Freedom Documents. This set of six downloadable PDFs includes COVID-related and mask-related information based on federal law with some state law examples as well.
- Learn the definition of “informed consent.” Start by reading this article, where we unpack the four principles that uphold informed consent in regards to medical choices.
- Join a local group advocating for health freedom. If you are in Wisconsin, consider supporting Wisconsin United for Freedom.
- Vote with your dollars. Carefully choose where you shop, what airlines you fly, where you dine out, and where you buy your groceries. Support businesses that align more closely with supporting the health freedoms of their employees and patrons.
- Know your state and local laws/exemptions and contact your local elected officials. Remember, they work for you and represent you! If you don’t speak up, how can they accurately represent you? According to the Constitution, the power in our country belongs to the states, not the federal government. Do what you can to influence your state officials.
- Stay informed. Watch weekly episodes of A Different Perspective, which feature interviews with leading experts, lawyers, politicians, and clinicians. Read our website articles. You may also find it helpful to consider resources from Children’s Health Defense.
- Refer others to the resources shared here. As conversations arise with friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors, use your voice to point them toward helpful resources. Let them know you stand for not just your health freedom, but theirs as well!
We know these times can feel disheartening and discouraging, but do not grow weary. We are standing with you in the fight for health freedom and will not give up. No matter how bleak the circumstances may appear, there is always hope.
References:
¹https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript
²https://www.thewellnessway.com/last-years-heroes-this-years-unemployed/
