The best answer to HPV infection – chastity

THANKS to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV, one among many sexually transmitted infections now in epidemic proportions), the lie has finally been exposed – condoms are not safe.

What next? The HPV vaccine for secondary schoolgirls – a new false sense of security?

At best, the vaccine, like the condom, will only reduce the risk of infection (for four of the 100 or so strains of the virus). It offers no guarantees against cervical cancer. Regular smear tests have always proved the best means to detect early signs of cancerous cells and will continue to be recommended in spite of the vaccine.

So, is the vaccine “safe”? How well has it been tested? What are the long-term effects? Has it so far prevented even one case of cervical cancer?

A quick surf on the internet yields enough scary evidence to suggest that parents should think very carefully before allowing their young daughters to receive Gardasil, the HPV vaccine. Thousands of adverse side-effects have been reported and, worldwide, up to 80 deaths among otherwise healthy young women have been allegedly linked to it. Two states in India have halted the vaccine.

And why Irish schoolgirls? What is being asked of our secondary schoolboys? Mother nature is speaking to us through the bitter tears of rampant infection, sub-fertility, sterility and death. Like Mother Church, her cries are not being heeded.

There is a better way. Parents, do not be afraid to challenge your children to cherish the health and freedom of chastity. It has now become a matter of (eternal) life and death.

Fr Eamonn McCarthy CC

Coachford

Co Cork