Vaccination against the virus that causes squamous cell cervical cancer

to be available for schoolgirls

The availability of vaccination against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) offers the prospect of saving hundreds of lives each year and protecting the health of many more women and the well being of their families.  It makes sense to take a relatively simple medical step to protect females from this life threatening disease.  Human Papilloma Virus leads to squamous cell cervical cancer, which kills nearly 1,000 women each year but which seriously damages the health of very many more annually.

Vaccination against the disease should not be seen as any sort of encouragement to promiscuity but rather a sensible move to protect against an avoidable disease.  There is no evidence to suggest that concerns about the risk of contracting this virus influences sexual activity of either males or females.  HPV is transferred to females from males who are unlikely to be aware that they carry the virus as they remain free of symptoms.  It would be inhumane to deny females the opportunity to be protected against this potentially devastating infection.

Such early vaccination should help to ensure that it is made widely available to all well before the time when young people are most vulnerable to sexual pressure.  Sadly, abuse, exploitation and other pressures are all too prevalent.  Whilst no parent wants to think that their daughter would be susceptible, offering vaccination to all helps to protect from longer term dangers and there are benefits to society from making it available to all teenagers, subject to the agreement of their parents.  We note that the vaccine is not being provided for teenage boys and question the wisdom of this, if the virus is to be successfully eradicated over time.

There is nothing in Catholic teaching to suggest that there is anything wrong with the use of vaccination against this disease, nor does it undermine the Church’s teachings in regard to human relationships and sexual activity.  It remains important that all safe and moral steps are taken to protect people from the virus.  This includes good relationships education in both home and at school, and also the opportunity to have this optional vaccination whilst a teenager.

Oona Stannard

Chief Executive and Director

Catholic Education Service for England and Wales