 Last Friday, Governor Perry made a move that shocked many leaders and legislators across the state and received nationwide coverage. Gov. Perry mandated that all Texas girls entering 6th grade receive the Gardasil vaccine for the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a sexually transmitted disease that can cause cervical cancer. This mandate, which takes effect in September 2008, is the first requirement for an immunization of a communicable disease that cannot (or at least should not) be contracted at a school or public setting - HPV must be transmitted sexually. Texas law allows parents to opt-out of inoculations, but it is a cumbersome process. Parents must be aware of this right, find the affidavit, file it and then file a new one every two years. CLICK HERE to read Gov. Perry's Executive Order.
Harsh reactions to Gov. Perry's mandate were immediate. State Senators Jane Nelson (R-Flower Mound) and Glenn Hegar (R-Katy), along with Rep. Jim Keffer (R-Eastland) and Rep. Dan Flynn (R-Canton), called on Perry earlier yesterday to rescind the order. "This is not an emergency. It needs to be discussed and debated," said Sen. Nelson. CLICK HERE to read Sen. Nelson and Rep. Keffer's statement. Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst also disagreed with the mandate because it denied parents' rights, saying that he wants to "look at a program which is voluntary - where you opt-in, instead of opt-out. This would result in parents talking to their pediatricians, getting the facts, and making the decision best for their children.
Main Points of Concern:
1. Parental Rights - Most pro-family groups oppose the vaccine mandate because they believe it seriously violates parental rights by usurping the authority of parents to decide with their child's doctor the best course to take.
2. Health Issues - No one knows the long-term effects of the vaccine. The day before Gov. Perry issued the order, the National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) issued a press release warning of the vaccine's side effects. According to NVIC, adverse events were reported in 82 cases over a six month period. Many agree that further testing of the drug is needed, since the vaccine was only approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last June. Clinical trials for the vaccine are still ongoing.
3. Lack of Legislative Debate - Most Texans are extremely disappointed that Gov. Perry bypassed the normal democratic procedure, which would have included legislative hearings and allowed time for leaders and the public to learn more about the vaccine. Such a serious decision that affects all Texas girls, should not be issued by fiat, with no discussion or debate.
CLICK HERE to read facts on the mandate.
There is some disagreement in the Christian community over this issue. The Christian Medical and Dental Association (CMDA), along with other Christian doctors, has supported the vaccine as a way to prevent deaths from cervical cancer (as long as parents may opt-out), and said that this may ensure that underprivileged girls receive the vaccine.
Regardless of whether the vaccine will have a positive impact, most people are upset with Gov. Perry for mandating this vaccine instead of allowing it to go through a transparent and democratic process. The Legislature can attempt to override the mandate, but Gov. Perry has the power to veto it. This is why lawmakers are calling on Gov. Perry to withdraw his order and wait for the legislative process to run its course.
ACTION: Call Gov. Perry and let him know how you feel in a courteous manner. The Governor's comment line is full, so we encourage you to call the capitol switchboard at 512-463-4630 and ask for Governor Perry's office. Their office is taking a tally for or against the executive order. |
Join thousands this Wednesday, February 7, for a school choice rally from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. on the South steps of the Capitol in