The budget proposal by Gov. Deval Patrick to invest an additional $72 million in more public health programs is one that should be applauded.
While the amount and the timing of the spending will be debated politically, the goal behind these initiatives deserves support, particularly Patrick’s proposal to offer a free vaccine against the sexually-transmitted virus that causes cervical cancer.
He would make the vaccine available without making it mandatory, and for this Patrick should be commended.
Texas is already embroiled in a battle over its governor’s decision to require that all sixth-grade girls be given the vaccine to curb the rising rate of this cancer that kills thousands of women each year.
The controversy exploded last week after revelations that Merck, which manufactures the vaccine under the name Gardasil, was spending millions on a campaign aimed at persuading state lawmakers to pass mandates across the country.
A group of families in Texas has sued to block the governor’s order, and lawmakers in general are hearing opposition from parents who want the right to make health care decisions for their children, and from conservative groups who fear that the widespread use of the vaccine would encourage sexual activity.
But an even deeper issue is the safety of the vaccine that has been studied only limitedly, and that has already shown to cause a host of side effects in young girls. Mandating such a vaccine would be irresponsible and some would say even immoral without more studies.
Given all these concerns, Patrick is wise to propose the distribution of Gardasil as a choice rather than as a requirement.
The vaccine is only one of several health initiatives in his budget plan that would also fund a new rotavirus vaccine for infants and a new bacterial meningitis vaccine for children, more anti-smoking campaigns, broader screening for breast cancer and prostate cancer, and better public education on stroke and Hepatitis C prevention.
“These investments not only save lives but also reduce treatment costs in the future,” Patrick said in a statement Sunday, and state health officials beamed at the prospect of more prevention and detection efforts.
We support Patrick’s intent but will want to know more about the specifics of his initiatives before determining if they are the best and most cost-effective means of achieving his goals.
Source: www.thesunchronicle.com
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