Scotland Agrees With Catholic Church On Content of Health Leaflets In Schools

Scotland on Sunday reports today that Scottish government officials will shortly begin a program to offer all school girls age 12 and 13 vaccination against cervical cancer caused by certain strains of HPV. However, against the advice of many health experts, the leaflet that will be distributed to those receiving the inoculation will not contain information on the use of condoms to prevent other sexually transmitted diseases. The decision was made in order to obtain support from the Catholic Church for offering the vaccinations in Catholic schools. The Church had originally objected to the vaccination program on the ground that it would encourage promiscuity. [Thanks to Edward Still for the lead.]