Remember those gross pictures of genital warts from sex-ed? Genital warts are caused by human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV can also lead to cervical cancer. The governor of Texas tried to mandate the HPV vaccine, which is most effective before a person is exposed to the virus (in this case, before a person becomes sexually active). But those pro-lifers seem a lot more interested in keeping women from having sex than actually saving lives:
On Monday, 23 April, the Texas Senate voted 30-1 in favor of its version of HB1089, a bill overturning Rick Perry’s February executive order mandating that all girls entering the sixth grade receive the HPV (human papilloma virus) vaccine Gardasil.
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They'd rather have their kids go through cancer than actually entertain the thought that their daughters will be sexually active one day.
Since I am from Texas and possibly going to have to get this shot because it's mandatory, I feel like I should voice my opinion on this matter. I think the vaccination is a good idea, but I don't think it should be mandatory, maybe just highly encourage. The reason is that it's a new vaccine, we have no idea what the long-term symptoms could be, and when they tested the product, they didn't est a lot of the girls in the age ranges they want to give it too. I think they should be more cautious about it before they start making every single girl have to get it.
Stormy