JEFFERSON CITY • Amid international concern about the reappearance of diseases that were once thought to be eradicated, Missouri lawmakers are pushing plans favored by people who believe vaccinations are harmful.

In a hearing room packed with parents and small children, a House panel heard debate Monday on a proposal to prohibit discrimination against children who haven’t been vaccinated. The committee also is considering legislation that would require doctors to provide patients with information about the “benefits and risks of each vaccine.”

The push comes against the backdrop of an outbreak of measles, prompting a national call for people to vaccinate their children.

But, said Rep. Lynn Morris, R-Ozark, people should have a choice and not be punished for deciding against vaccinations.

“I’m a pharmacist. I’m not against vaccines,” Morris said. “I am for people having the right to choose what they want done to their children. Parents are getting bullied. They are being intimidated. I just don’t think that’s right.”