"Taking up a sensitive issue among religious conservatives, an influential government advisory panel Thursday recommended that 11- and 12-year-old girls be routinely vaccinated against the sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer."
Agree? or Disagree?
2006-07-07 11:30:45 · 15 answers · asked by i!i!i!i!i! 3 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ STDs
Why would anyone object to saving women from cervical cancer, getting vaccinated against a disease shouldnt be a hot button issue in my opinion, they are trying to save lives
2006-07-07 11:37:27 · answer #1 · answered by cdsfhc2002 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Disagree on making it mandatory. Every person should have the right to choose what goes into their (or their child's) body. No government should ever force vaccinations against one's will. It's admirable and reasonable to want to protect future generations against HPV and cervical cancer, but I personally feel there is not enough research done to guarantee the vaccine's safety for long term. When my daughter is old enough to comprehend sex and STD's (although this will probably come around the time the govt. wants to start vaccinating these girls) I will have a serious talk with her and she can make her own decision.
Things to consider: 1) No vaccine allows for 100% immunity. 2) There is always a risk of contracting HPV from the vaccine (as there is for any vaccine). 3) HPV usually goes away on its own, although doctors don't know if "goes away" means the immune system eradicates the virus entirely or if it is dormant and at such a low count that the tests come back negative. 4) Research has shown that for 90% of women, cervical HPV infection becomes undetectable within two years (that's from the CDC website).
Flip side: 1) 50% of sexually active people have/have had HPV. 2) The virus can lie dormant for weeks or years, so it can be passed on later in life, and there is no "cure." 3) A pregnant woman can pass HPV to her child during childbirth, although this (warts in throat/voicebox) is very rare.
People should become educated on both sides of the issue and then make their own decision, whether they choose to vaccinate or not.
2006-07-10 17:24:47 · answer #2 · answered by Andrea 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Agree. Having the vaccine isn't telling them to go start having sex. Most 11 and 12 year old girls would have no idea what HPV is anyways, they would probably just assume that is some random vaccination and move on with their lives (safe from the possibility of HPV).
2006-07-07 13:20:53 · answer #3 · answered by huh? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Agree.
I got cervical cancer from HPV when I was only 17! Not only was I devastated but so were my parents. My mom went with me to every doctor appointment I had and held my hand through it all. I was in so much pain during the procedure I started crying. And all my mom could do is sit there and watch and hold my hand. Even though she was supportive I knew she was upset and crushed that this could happen to her baby. I have been battling it ever since.
I totally agree on giving it to young girls. I don't think the vaccine is going to cause them to start having sex sooner like some religions are trying to say. Girls are going to have sex regardless of the vaccine. Better be safe than sorry.
2006-07-08 00:39:43 · answer #4 · answered by Alli 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES YES YES. Religious views aside, cervical cancer is a devastating illness, and anything that can be done to prevent it, should be done. It should be a required vaccine, like measles, etc.
It would be morally and ethically wrong to not prevent this virus, if possible. 1 vaccine = 1 saved life.
2006-07-07 11:37:51 · answer #5 · answered by penay5 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Agree!
The poor girl could be a virgin up to their marriage and the guy they are with had a few partners and end up giving her this virus that now can be very easily prevented.
I think no matter what your religion is, kids are kids and they make kid mistakes no matter how much you scare them of Hell and what-not. Without science and education, we wouldn't be living to ripe old ages of 90, etc.
2006-07-07 11:35:13 · answer #6 · answered by sha 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Yes, Yes!
That little 12 year old is someone's beloved baby right NOW... but someday she will start having sex - you can hope she waits until she is married and only ever has one partner --- but you cannot control who or how many other partners Prince Charming will have had.
If you have ever loved that little girl.... protect her from the horror and terror (and possible death) from cervical cancer.
2006-07-07 15:18:55 · answer #7 · answered by tubby77379 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Agree!! You never know what they're up to and you can't control what they're doing. Of course I don't think it is right for 12 year old girls to have sex but they might do it anyway. Parents can't control everything so yes, I agree with this.
2006-07-07 11:35:27 · answer #8 · answered by Eudora 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, what is your argument?
I would probably give it to my daughter if I thought it would save her from HPV.
2006-07-07 11:33:14 · answer #9 · answered by Evilest_Wendy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Agree!
2006-07-07 11:32:28 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋