Melissa Etheridge, Tammy Lynn Michaels Battle Over Vaccinating Children

By Sami K. Martin, Christian Post Reporter Friday, August 30, 2013

Melissa Etheridge and ex-wife Tammy Lynn Michaels are back in court to discuss an issue pertaining to the welfare of their children. The issue bringing them back together is vaccination: Etheridge opposes vaccinating their six-year-old twins.

The couple has struggled to come to terms with their divorce and custody of the children, Johnnie Rose and Miller Steven. Michaels wants the twins to be vaccinated before they begin attending a public school in Los Angeles. However, Etheridge does not want their son or daughter vaccinated at all.

"It's not a fear of Autism," a friend told Radar Online. "She just doesn't think immunizations are necessary. She doesn't believe in vaccinations, period."

Michaels has filed paperwork to become the sole parent when it comes to making health-related decisions for the twins. Last month Michaels requested an emergency hearing to prevent Etheridge from taking the twins on tour with her. According to Michaels, the children would be exposed to marijuana and rowdy fans.

"Many female fans remove their shirts and bras and throw them on stage," court documents read.

Michaels was also concerned that the children had not been vaccinated before going on the road or beginning school. She was afraid their immune systems would be compromised, putting them at risk for contracting measles, chicken pox, or tetanus.

Vaccinations have been a controversial topic lately. Many believe that they lead to severe health issues, while others hold fast to the idea that vaccinations are in the best interest of the public. A church in Texas recently had a measles outbreak; the church allegedly did not support vaccinations and at least 12 of the 25 people affected had not been vaccinated.

Etheridge and Michaels had a very nasty divorce after seven years, and are still battling it out with regard to the children. Etheridge currently pays Michaels $23,000 per month as part of the divorce settlement and is currently with Linda Wallem.