Constitutional Court of Montenegro to rule on mandatory preschool vaccinations

The Constitutional Court of Montenegro is scheduled to hold a closed session to rule on the constitutionality of mandatory childhood vaccinations as a requirement for attending preschool institutions. The legal challenge concerns provisions in the Law on the Protection of the Population from Infectious Diseases, which mandate vaccination for children in both public and private kindergartens, except in cases of permanent medical contraindications.

During previous public hearings, the Ministry of Health argued that the requirement is a measure to protect public health rather than a restriction of constitutional rights. Conversely, representatives from the non-governmental sector argued that children should not suffer the consequences of adult and systemic decisions. UNICEF has suggested that Montenegro seek less restrictive solutions to protect a child's right to early childhood education, emphasizing its importance for cognitive and emotional development.

Constitutional Court President Snežana Armenko previously indicated that a final decision would be reached during the session scheduled for September 24.