Editorial: Cancer vaccine approved

Monday, June 12, 2006 | 7:23 a.m.

The Food and Drug Administration approved a vaccine last week against cervical cancer that could save the lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year.

The Gardasil vaccine protects against the human papilomavirus, a sexually transmitted virus that causes about 70 percent of cervical cancers. Cervical cancer is the second-leading cause of death in women worldwide, killing some 300,000 a year. About 10,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with it annually, and about 3,700 die.

But the vaccine's cost - about $360 for the three shots needed - may prevent many from receiving it. According to The New York Times, federal money may cover costs for about 45 percent of those who need it. But those who rely on state health care may not have access, as states often can't afford newer, more expensive treatments.

Additionally, religious groups oppose providing the vaccine to young girls, fearing it will encourage premarital sex.

Morality does play a role in the release of this vaccine, but not in the manner in which the vaccine's critics want it applied. Those responsible for providing health care to the poor are morally obligated to provide this life-saving vaccine to all who need it. And those who on moral grounds oppose protecting young girls from a virus that causes 70 percent of cervical cancer cases need a morality check.