Sunday 28 September 2008

In loco parentis?

I've just learned (from another parent) that the kids' school is going to allow the local health authority to implement a programme of vaccination of girls against the HPV virus.

This starts tomorrow, apparently, and both Ant and Bernie are in the target age ranges.

We have been told nothing about this officially. Given that the school can't give a kid an aspirin without written authorisation (though as we know they can whisk a girl away for an abortion without ever telling the parents, before or after) one suspects double standards again.

As HPV is a sexually transmitted disease and we are bringing our girls up to be chaste, we will be opting out - but we are only able to do so because we found out and have been able to brief the girls!

4 comments:

George Carmody said...

My wife and I were fuming about this the other day when the government announced a national programme to vaccinate 13-year-old girls and simply said it was aimed at preventing cervical cancer. A prime example of twisting the facts to hide what's actually going on. As you correctly state, HPV is sexually transmitted, so 13-year-old girls are only going to catch it if they become sexually active. They will only run the risk of cervical cancer from this source if they sleep around and take part in a criminal activity (unlawful sexual intercourse to give the legal name). So what does that say about the presumptions of our schools and government? We've been here before of course - contraceptives for very young girls from school nurses. The assumption that is always made is that young girls, far too young even legally, are "going to" become sexually active. Now where ever could the girls have picked up that notion I wonder? A case of the fire brigade starting fires.

Ben Trovato said...

Yes, it's like a Greek tragedy: their efforts to prevent teenage sexual health problems will create the very monster they fear.

Mummymayhem said...

My daughter got sent a letter about HPV, addressed to HER, not ME. It had a lovely leaflet inside, so appealing to girls, and FAQ's which only mentioned things like, How long does it take? Will it hurt? etc.

Ben Trovato said...

Well, after all, you're only her Mum...

The State knows what's really best for her (ask the CES if you don't believe me...)