Sunday, February 4, 2007

A Mandated Vaccine

Ok, I am doing research on this topic and want to know your viewpoint on this important matter. Our governor, Rick Perry, signed into legislation Friday a bill that will mandate all school girls in the state of Texas to receive the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine which is a sexually transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer. The idea is to give the shots to girls before they enter the 6th grade so it's before they might become sexually active. (Actually, one article I read used the terminology, before they are LIKELY to be sexually active.) I believe it's a series of 3 shots at a cost of $360. Of course, the state will be providing the vaccine to 11 and 12 year old girls and will also provide it for those without insurance between the ages of 9 - 26 years. The maker of the vaccine, Merck, contributed a few thousand dollars to Governor Perry's re-election campaign. Also, they are lobbying other states to make the vaccine a requirement. Just an aside. If you, as a parent, do not want your daughter to receive the vaccination you can file a conscientious objection affidavit with the state of Texas. I have to add, Governor Perry is a Christian with conservative values. He does not support abortion or testing on embryonic stem cells. I heard him speak last year at a Southern Baptist of Texas convention and have no doubt that he probably shares many of my same values -- I am just not sure about this particular issue.

I would love to have your input...

Jeanette

1 comment:

Michelle Canton said...

Here we go again! Unfortunately, the secular world is seeing the necessity to meet a physical need caused by a spiritual liability. Our shortcomings as salt and light to our world become painfully clear as the consequences of sin develop greater tribulations for the children (and yes, the adults, too) of our world. We are at this crossroads because we chose to be apathetic about purity (on a grand scale) in our own lives as well as the lives of our children in the past. Regrettably, if we as Christians, fight against the state mandated "solution" to this STD, we appear as uncaring and stoic. However, if we support the vaccine, we seem to acquiesce to the status quo of promiscuity. What is the solution on a Christian level?
1. Make sure we, as individuals, are living every moment what we say we believe. Our own children will then know and see Truth for themselves and have a better chance of experiencing life without the devasting consequences of sin.
2. Opt out of the vaccine, but only if you choose to educate your children on the spiritual level about the consequences which have led to these physical consequences. This is a lifetime commitment, not a one time conversation.
3. Heed the call to affect others in this matter (only you know to what level of ministry God has called you).

This is absolutely not the complete answer to this crisis. However, until we as Christians decide what we believe how will we ever be able to stand up for anything? I am convinced that most of us do not really know what the Bible has to say about the practicality of living day to day. The only way it will ever be written on our hearts is when we ask God to allow us to hear Him. He is always speaking, will I listen?