Bill Clinton

“ Each year the tragic effects can be seen in the lives of millions of children. It can be observed among those who are neglected or abused, of whom more than 1,000 die each year. It can be found especially in the lives of those who witness violence against a parent-and who themselves face a significant chance of becoming victims of that same brutality.
As a Nation, we must continue our commitment to eliminating violence and to strengthening children and families. ”

“ For previous generations, diseases were a deadly shadow hovering over every new birth. Thanks in large part to medical advances and improved public health practices, most of today's children are no longer threatened by these afflictions. Childhood immunizations alone have saved countless American lives in the past decade, and today we are increasing our efforts to identify and immunize children who need this protection. ”

“ Since we now have the knowledge and resources to protect our children from many childhood diseases-including diphtheria, pertussis, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, and rubella-we have the obligation to reach out to our population and do so. Immunization is a cost-effective, commonsense means of fighting disease, and States wisely require immunizations for schoolchildren and for children attending child care centers. I signed the Comprehensive Childhood Immunization Initiative so that children will receive the vaccinations they need. ”