Government vs. Parents
| Q: |
Several Christian leaders from groups such as the Florida Catholic Conference and the family-advocacy group the Eagle Forum are reportedly concerned about a Florida bill that would require 11- and 12-year-old girls to be vaccinated against sexually transmitted diseases. They argue that the bill promotes promiscuity. The bill's proponents, which include Democrat and Republican Florida lawmakers, say the bill could be a lifesaver because the vaccine — called Gardasil — blocks four types of the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus, which causes genital warts and a large percentage of cervical cancer cases. What do you think of the bill?
| A: |
Cancer — any kind — is an ugly disease. Any clergyman who has spent any time holding the hand of a dying patient and counseling the wounded family has undoubtedly said a prayer to find a cure for such a dreaded disease.
Yes, even though cancer therapy has come a long way, no one will argue that the occurrence of cancer continues to devastate individuals and their families.
If a vaccine can prevent cancer, we need to be thankful that we are one step closer to eradicating a horrible disease, especially its cervical variety. I do not buy the argument that this will promote promiscuity among teens. If it does, then are we to assume the opposite it true? That is, will the unavailability of the vaccine lead to less promiscuity among youth?
In a world where children are bombarded with sexual content 24/7, the threat of casual and dangerous sex is unavoidable. It is all around us. Sex sells and it is being used to market everything to everyone, including our children. The real challenge for clergy and people of faith is to engage parents in a dialogue with their children about sex and sexual expressions.
This dialogue is not the responsibility of government, but one which falls in the sacred category of parenting.
FATHER VAZKEN MOVSESIAN
Armenian Church Youth Ministries
In His Shoes Mission
