02/16/2015
Puerto Rico Might Start Fining The Parents Of Obese Children
A Puerto Rican senator introduced a bill that calls for forcing the parents of obese children to pay a $500 fine. The proposal would require educators to counsel parents of children identified as obese. if within six months there's been no improvement in the child's weight, the case will then be sent over to the Department of Family "under complaint of abuse."
■Class discussion: What do you think of fining parents over their children's health problems? Do you think fines would actually reduce obesity? Why or why not? How would you deal with public health issues like obesity, vaccinations, addictive products or epidemic threats? How should government deal with these issues?