Virginity or Cervical Cancer?
Zod sent me a link this morning to an interesting topic of debate. While there is a vaccine that will appear on the market next year to prevent cervical cancer, there are conservatives (better known on mskitka.com as ‘concerned Christians’) who fear that the vaccine will encourage sexual activity among teenagers:
Conservative medical groups have been fielding calls from concerned parents and organizations, officials said.
“I’ve talked to some who have said, ‘This is going to sabotage our abstinence message,’ ” said Gene Rudd, associate executive director of the Christian Medical and Dental Associations. But Rudd said most people change their minds once they learn more, adding he would probably want his children immunized. Rudd, however, draws the line at making the vaccine mandatory.
“Parents should have the choice. There are those who would say, ‘We can provide a better, healthier alternative than the vaccine, and that is to teach abstinence,’ ” Rudd said.
Oh no, not again. Yet again the Theo-cons have found a way to promote the continual transmission of STDs. How much do you want to bet that these same people are saying that STDs are the will of God?
How many times do I have to tell them; abstinence-only education doesn’t work! It’s better to be safe than sorry. What makes you think that you have to tell your children what the shot is for anyways? I’ve had many vaccinations over the course of my life, but do I remember what they were for? NO! This is obviously the work of those who want people getting laid to suffer.
Typical fundie-flawed logic…
November 1st, 2005 at 2:15 pm
I think the bigger question is how are you going to explain to your own children that you put their health at risk in order to discourage them from an activity that they most likely won’t partake in because you [and most likely surrounding culture since ‘concerned Christians’ always live in packs] have so warped their minds into fearing the wraith of God, people, and country.
“Jenny I could have ensured you wouldn’t get the cancer, but you might have slept with Bobby before marriage. Better you be sterile or dead than a sinner.” -Loving Parents
Sounds like these folks are one step away from being Christian Scientists.
November 1st, 2005 at 2:18 pm
Well said, robber_baron… you’ve just earned the Ms. Kitka Seal of Approval!
November 1st, 2005 at 3:09 pm
this is somewhat related to themes that have been expressed on your site… thought i’d share it:
http://www.lifesite.net/ldn/2005/oct/05102706.html
i took the articles advice & contacted the minister in question… to voice my support
November 1st, 2005 at 4:36 pm
Thatta boy, Zawm… You shall be rewarded with the Kitka Militia Medal of Honour…
November 2nd, 2005 at 6:25 am
“theo-con”
I like it!
November 2nd, 2005 at 3:12 pm
Suggesting that a vaccine for cervical cancer would undermine the “message of abstinence,” is sort of like suggesting that antibiotics undermine the “message of an afterlife” by postponing it. I wouldn’t expect that line of reasoning to get very far. That’s sort of like the PETA people that say that that the life of an ant is as important as the life of a child.
But what a wonderful way of unmasking the absolutely dark ages perspective taken by the “theo-cons” on matters of education vis. personal health or public health. Next thing you know, they’ll want to supress education for women. An American Taliban, indeed!
November 2nd, 2005 at 11:28 pm
The big issue here is the withholding of information. I don’t know about you guys but when I make a decision about something I would like all the information regarding the decision I’m about to make. this can be said for all major decisions, like buying a car, buying a house, getting a job. how would you like to buy a car that didn’t work, or a house that had holes and cracks in it, or get a job that has no benefits and low pay when you could ahve taken a different job with benefits and big pay. and lets face it sex is a big decision, and not having the information about sex can only lead to bad things happening, sure you may get lucky for a while, but that luck will run out.
November 3rd, 2005 at 8:14 am
Topics like this make me sick! I really wish some of those “concerned Christians” could see how well their parenting skills have worked out. They don’t educate their kids about anything! These poor kids are left with the notion that the answer is “just don’t do it!” Every year, I see a new group of children of those “Theo-cons” and each each I end up pealing their sorry asses off of the bathroom floor at some party! They’re the “I’m from middle of no-where Christian-town, NS type”. They aren’t prepared to handle university life and the real world hits them hard. You’d be surprised as to how many of these Christian kids get pregnant just simply because they didn’t know about birth control.
September 12th, 2006 at 9:50 pm
I have been diagnosed with hpv and treated for pre-cancerous cells, and am now showing every sign of cervical cancer. and to tell me that there is a chance that my children won’t ever have to face this, i can not immagine being so selfish and close minded that i would even risk that. what happens when your little girl gets married to a man that carries it… they can’t even be tested accurately for it yet… and they don’t have any symptoms… you don’t have to actually have “sex” to get it… you just have to touch the SKIN. anyone who is saying that this vaccination is wrong because more kids might have sex needs to have a reality check and get all of the facts.