Should HPV Vaccines in Texas be Mandatory?

The Human Papilloma Virus, better known as HPV, is a common sexually transmitted disease. It has been estimated that approximately 70 percent of woman will be infected with one form of HPV in their life. Other than the usual visual outbreaks of HPV (which include warts or “papilomas”), this virus is also the cause of 90 percent of cervical cancers. Cervical cancer is second most common cancer in woman. A common laboratory procedure called a Pap smear is used to determine infection of HPV.
Just recently, the drug company Merck released an FDA approved vaccine for HPV virus strains 16 and 18 that cause 75% of cervical cancer (it has also proved effective against HPV 6 and 11 which cause genital warts). This vaccine is marketed under the name Gardasil.
The reason why this has been such a heated topic is because Texas governor Richard Perry issued an executive order on the 2nd of February 2007 to have all girls enrolled in school vaccinated. Because of this “executive order”, the governor was allowed to bypass all legislature and certain rights groups. Because this vaccine can cost an upwards of 500 dollars, Perry has directed Texas State health officials to make the vaccine free to girls 9-18 years of age.
I believe this idea to have every girl vaccinated from the HPV virus is ideal. This is very controversial due to the fact that this order seems to favor the act of promoting sex rather than abstinence. In this day and age, I feel the traditional act of promoting abstinence is not working. If the governor can vaccinate against HPV, he can use this opportunity to create a healthier future and promote safer sex. Maybe another idea could require all girls to attend a safe sex class and receive the vaccination in the completion of the course. All though this may seem sexist, this virus is affecting woman and would only help the cause through the course of educating the public.