Should Christian Parents Give Their Children the HPV Vaccine?

Whether or not to vaccinate one’s children can be a controversial subject among Christian parents, and the controversy is only increased when it comes to the HPV vaccine.

 

In an article for the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, doctor and Christian parent Scott James argues that getting a child vaccinated for HPV is a wise decision.
James explains that HPV (human papillomavirus) is a common virus that is transferred from person to person through skin-to-skin (usually sexual) contact.
Most parents object to the vaccine because they believe their child is not at risk of contracting an STD.
However, while James says parents should carefully consider what is best for their child’s health, the risks of contracting HPV involves more than getting an STD.

James cites research that says some forms of HPV can lead to cancer. Furthermore, argues James, the statistics show that the odds of someone contracting HPV during their lifetime are very high; in fact, “nearly all sexually active people will be infected with one or more type of HPV during their lifetime.”
“A recent study estimated nearly 40,000 cases of HPV-associated cancer per year in the U.S.,” James continues.
Though he concludes by saying parents should certainly teach their children a biblical view of sexual ethics, he says that we often cannot control our children’s choices as they grow up--or especially the choices their potential spouse may have made.
Therefore, he argues, giving one’s child the HPV vaccine may be a wise decision.