The article "Merck's ties to lawmakers group cloud cervical cancer issue" (Jan. 31) explained the view of some that requiring Gardasil, Merck's new vaccine against the sexually transmitted cervical cancer virus, would encourage premarital sex.
What it does not detail is the fact that this drug protects women against the strains of the human papilloma virus that are responsible for up to 70 percent of cervical cancer cases.
Although I respect the views of parents wanting to raise their children in ways they see fit, I also believe the fact that cervical cancer ranks second in cancer-related deaths of women should alarm these same parents.
I do not understand how vaccinating your child against a type of cancer that is so common among women promotes premarital sex simply because it is sexually transmitted.
Although Merck undoubtedly has a financial motive for wanting states to mandate the vaccine, it has announced plans to provide free vaccines to low-income, uninsured women worldwide.
If it follows through with its promises, its goal of eradicating cervical cancer will prove to overshadow criticisms of its lobbying efforts.
Pilar KramanShadyside
