To vaccinate or not to vaccinate

Here are the facts:
1. The MMR shot (measles, mumps, and rubella) does not cause autism
2. Seriously, the MMR shot does not cause autism...there is not a single properly performed study to say it does, and there is tons of evidence that it does not
3. Some parents, who are likely not properly educated in the scientific method, or who have not performed nearly enough research into the subject, still believe that vaccines may cause autism
4. However, despite what some parents think, there is still no evidence that any vaccine has any link to autism
5. If you do not have your children vaccinated for MMR, they may get M, M, or R
6. If your child gets measles, they can get encephalopathy and a whole host of other nasty problems, including the major side effect of death
7. If they get rubella and pass it on to their children, their children may either die or have some other nasty issues.
8. Basically, you definitely do not want these diseases....they're no fun at all and may even permanently stop fun
9. So, the MMR vaccine is safe, rarely has serious side effects, and does not cause autism
10. Here's the kicker....there are still parents that will not have their children vaccinated, based on inaccurate information, and probably ignoring their doctor's advice.

Fortunately, in the US, you can't go to public school unless you have the MMR vaccine. Unfortunately, it is possible to get a religious waiver. Also, you do not have to vaccinate your children if you don't send them to public school. Not only are these parents putting their children at great risk, but they are putting the lives of all other unvaccinated individuals at risk. So, my question is, why in the world do we allow parents to make these decisions?

It is already illegal for parents to withhold treatment from their children for religious reasons. Clearly, a precedent has been set that while parents almost always have the right to decide for their children, they are not usually given the right to do things that are going to be dangerous to their life or well being. However, we continue to allow people to go unvaccinated, often simply because the parents are not properly educated. Should parents really continue to be given the choice to deny their children vaccinations which have been proven to be safe and effective at preventing death?