The vaccine safety and informed consent movements in the U.S. and other countries have developed alongside other grassroots movements that began in the middle of the 20th century, such as social reform, environmental and holistic health movements that focused on civil and human rights, protection of the environment from industrial toxins and non-pharmaceutical options for healing and staying well. As the education level of populations is increasing in the U.S. and throughout the world, so is easier access to scientific, medical, legal and other types of information that consumers can use to make informed choices. Recent public opinion polls demonstrate that more people are asking more questions about the quality and quantity of the science being used to buttress medical policies, which rely almost exclusively on use of prescription drugs and vaccines.