Following FDA approval of Gardasil, the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, many lawmakers are debating mandatory vaccinations for public-school girls 12 and older.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates more than 6 million Americans contract HPV each year. It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S. and takes an estimated 4,000 lives annually.
Dr. Gene Rudd, associate executive director of the Christian Medical Association, said HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer, and the benefits of vaccination are clear.
"All of our young women are facing this potential disease -- that’s just the reality of it," he said. "Just like any disease, preventing it is better than trying to treat it."
Linda Klepaki, analyst for sexual health at Focus on the Family Action, said parents should have the final say whether their daughter receives the vaccine, not the government. Many state lawmakers agree and have written opt-in or opt-out provisions into legislation.
"Opt-in programs are really the best programs for states to have,” Klepacki said. “That puts the burden on the states to educate the parents about this virus and about the vaccine. And then the parents actually have to sign a form for their child to have this vaccine.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Look up your state’s vaccination policies at www.focusonsocialissues.org. Click on "Abstinence Policy."
