New York Amish Vaccination Case Reaches SCOTUS
Larry O'Connor > Video
Monday, August 31, 2026
Hans Von Spakovsky, senior legal fellow at Advancing American Freedom, joins the discussion to provide insights on several pressing legal matters. The conversation begins with the ongoing trial of Lindsey Clancy, a woman accused of murdering her three children. The defense strategy of postpartum psychosis is under scrutiny as the jury weighs the evidence. Von Spakovsky shares his skepticism about the defense, emphasizing the rarity of such extreme actions among new mothers. The dialogue then shifts to a vaccination case involving the Amish community in New York, where families are threatening to leave the state due to mandatory vaccination requirements. Von Spakovsky discusses the potential legal battle, highlighting the importance of religious freedom and past Supreme Court rulings that support it. Further, the discussion covers the Trump administration's policy on transgender individuals serving in the military, focusing on the criteria for physical and mental fitness. Von Spakovsky argues that the policy aims to ensure the military's effectiveness and safety, rather than discriminating against transgender people. Lastly, the conversation addresses the controversy surrounding mail-in ballots and voter security in the upcoming midterm elections. President Trump’s directive to states to provide voter rolls to the federal government is analyzed, along with the debate over implementing a tracking system for mail-in ballots to prevent fraud and ensure timely delivery. Von Spakovsky supports the measures for secure elections, criticizing the opposition from certain states and their attempts to delay necessary reforms.
