Stop Playing Politics with Girls’ Health

Gender bias has infiltrated the debate over the Human Papillomavirus vaccine and anxiety surrounding s-e-x may be preventing American citizens from obtaining needed healthcare.

By now, the new Human Papillomavirus vaccine has been widely discussed, but I still find that no one is clearly stating the obvious. Gender bias has infiltrated this debate and, once again, anxiety surrounding s-e-x may be preventing American citizens from obtaining needed healthcare.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted disease that has infected women for decades. Most frightening about the condition is the rarity of signs or symptoms; both women and men may be carriers of the illness for years without any evidence. Although exact figures are unknown, estimates suggest that as many as seventy-five percent of women may become infected with a strand of HPV at some point in their lives. Various types of HPV may cause cell changes in the cervical lining that lead to cervical cancer. In addition, one can contract HPV through any sexual contact — not necessarily through intercourse.

At that rate, one would think that if we had a safe and proven method to prevent this cancer-causing virus, we would take full advantage of its benefits. Yet now that the Gardasil® vaccine is available, there is debate over its regulated and routine use.

Sure, there has been controversy over mandated vaccination before, but never with such fervency. Why shouldn't we require the vaccine for girls in a school environment? While some feel the government should not regulate our children's health care, we have had no trouble with laws imposing medical decisions when we see them as public health responsibilities. There are times when the benefit to the community trumps the choice of the individual and this is rarely disputed in our school vaccination design — although an opt-out alternative will not be denied. Vaccination programs in schools have been one of the most effective ways of curbing disease and have comprehensive benefits to the individual as well as the community. In addition, the very reputable Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends the vaccine for all girls age 9-26 in the United States.

There also seem to be various concerns about the safety and research conducted on Gardasil®. Yet research was conducted with over 11,000 women, exhibiting very few adverse reactions. I am having a hard time believing that this same controversy would exist if we were discussing a method of prostate cancer prevention. Accessible reproductive health is something for which we are constantly fighting. Let's be clear — this is directly related to the fact that reproductive health affects women — a population historically without power, and consequently without power over medical decisions or agency over their own bodies. This is about gender discrimination.

Concerns have surfaced about sexual safety and abstinence. Does providing a vaccine for a cancer-causing virus encourage sexual behavior in youth? Does it promote sex without protection? The ideal of abstinence remains, but research has repeatedly shown that there is most value in comprehensive education, informing youth about risks, and how to prevent effectively if they should choose to engage in sexual behavior.

Now that we know that the vaccine is safe and effective, the question remains: How do we make it accessible for young girls and women? Gardasil® is currently produced by only one manufacturer and is extremely expensive — running approximately $360 for the entire course of treatment. Keeping the vaccine as elective — available to only those who seek treatment through private healthcare environments — has serious implications for class and inequality of health services. There are many who will not have the economic or educational access to have their children vaccinated. Many uninsured or underinsured families may not be seeking routine care with providers who can educate them on the availability and benefits of vaccination. Yet we do have a method of access to their children. They almost all attend school.

The solution seems clear. We as a nation need to put more investment in preventative care. If we want to make sure that our girls are protected, it's time to stop playing politics. We owe this protection to our nation's children.