Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Religious Right is Misrepresented concerning STD/HPV Vacines!

Some disinformation is being spread by the anti James Dobson crowd. - Here is the skinny: Alternet.org has a story entitled, "Why the Religious Right Fights Cancer Prevention" (dated 13Jun06). When I read that my heart sunk. "Who on the religious right would do that?" was my question.

Alternet Quotes: Conservative groups have caused an uproar by opposing a vaccine for the second-deadliest cancer for women. - and - The Food and Drug Administration advisory panel approved a vaccine for the human papilloma virus (HPV) last week. The vaccine appears to be 100 percent effective at protecting against the most prevalent viruses that cause cervical cancer. While public health professionals view the vaccine as miraculous, many conservative organizations oppose it on the grounds that it might encourage promiscuity among adolescent girls. Now that the FDA has approved the vaccine, conservatives are already working feverishly to limit or even prevent its use. - end quotes -

Well, the Alternet article mentioned Family Research Council and also had a link to (Caution! Typical leftist profanity (f word) in the title of this link) a Feministing article who names a Dr. Finger and Focus on the Family.

Feministing Quote: He (Dr. Finger, a liaison between the CDC and Focus on the Family) has also said that if "people begin to market the [HPV] vaccine or tout the vaccine that this makes adolescent sex safer, then that would undermine the abstinence-only message." For the record, Finger would also be wary of approving an HIV vaccine, should one become available. - end quote -

Well I figured I'd go to the source and see what both organizations really say about Sexually Transmitted Disease vaccines.


Focus on the Family position statement (PDF reader needed) -

Recognizing the worldwide detriment to individuals and families resulting from HPV, Focus on the Family supports and encourages the development of safe, effective and ethical vaccines against HPV, as well as other viruses. The use of these vaccines may prevent many cases of cervical cancer, thus saving the lives of millions of women across the globe.

Therefore, Focus on the Family supports widespread (universal) availability of HPV vaccines but opposes mandatory HPV vaccinations for entry to public school. The decision of whether to vaccinate a minor against this or other sexually transmitted infections should remain with the childÂ’s parent or guardian.
~~~~~~~~~

Family Research Council statement:


The Family Research Council welcomes the news that vaccines are in development for preventing infection with certain strains of the human papilloma virus (HPV). We also welcome the reports, like those we've heard this morning, of promising clinical trials for such a vaccine. Forms of primary prevention and medical advances in this area hold potential for helping to protect the health of millions of Americans and helping to preserve the lives of thousands of American women who currently die of cervical cancer each year as a result of HPV infection. Media reports suggesting that the Family Research Council opposes all development or distribution of such vaccines are false.



Took me less than 10 minutes...

Other stories had the same spin with right/left politicians...

In none of the stories I read was there a mention or concern of contraindications...

For the full Merck release news story without the spin -Click Here-

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