Share

NOW | The Moral Dilemma of Requiring a Life-Saving Vaccine

by:   |  

    The Moral Dilemma of Requiring a Life-Saving Vaccine
    NOW
    t r u t h o u t | Programming Note

    Airdate: Friday, February 23, 2007, at 8:30 p.m. on PBS.
    (Check local listings at http://www.pbs.org/now/sched.html.)

Why do some oppose requiring life-saving vaccinations for young women? This time on NOW.

    A new cancer-fighting vaccine holds life-saving promise for young women, but debate over its use is raising tough questions at the crossroads of medicine and morality. On February 23 at 8:30 p.m., NOW investigates the controversy over Gardasil, a new vaccine developed by pharmaceutical giant Merck that blocks certain high-risk strains of the sexually-transmitted human papilloma virus (HPV) which cause 70 percent of cervical cancers. Just weeks ago, Texas Governor Rick Perry issued a controversial executive order requiring all girls entering sixth grade to be vaccinated with Gardasil, with opt-out exceptions. About 20 other states are considering similar action.

    But many critics feel that mandating these vaccinations infringes on parental rights and may encourage risky sexual behavior among young people. Others argue that the rush to inoculation is too hasty, and that more medical review is required. Some also wonder if state government decisions were inappropriately prejudiced by Merck's powerful political influence. Under criticism, Merck suspended its lobbying efforts for the vaccination mandate this past Tuesday.

    NOW travels to Michigan, a flashpoint of the debate, to uncover more about the issue and to discuss its human consequences with doctors, local politicians and private citizens, including a young mother living with cervical cancer brought on by HPV.

    "I think [critics of mandated vaccination] need to stop looking at it so much as a personal choice as it is saving someone you love from what it takes to live with this disease," cervical cancer patient Sara Ylen told NOW. "You become a slave to it. You go through treatments that are painful - and that's not something you want to wish on anyone."

    Note: The NOW website at www.pbs.org/now will provide additional coverage starting Friday morning, February 23, including an extended interview with a vaccination specialist, a look at vaccination policies in your state, and more information about HPV.