SALEM, OR -- The rate of parents not vaccinating their children has gone up significantly in the last decade in Oregon. Nationally, we're seeing outbreaks of measles and whooping cough because an increasing number of parents are not vaccinating their kids.

The State Senate Healthcare Committee is considering a bill that would do away with religious or philosophical reasons for not vaccinating your child. The bill would only allow exemptions for specific medical conditions.

State Representative Knute Buehler of Bend, who is also a doctor, testified in support of the bill.

"Again, I personally think one of the fundamental roles of government is to lead people to do the right thing, even when it's difficult or controversial," Buehler says. "In my role and training as a doctor, I know vaccines overall are much safer then the risk imposed by getting these infections. I urge you to support Senate Bill 442."

If the bill passes, it will take affect immediately.