Catholic leaders go too far in attempting to stop premarital sex
In recent news, a Calgary catholic school board is sending home letters to parents with information from catholic leaders who believe the HPV vaccine is not the answer to lower cases of cervical cancer. It is appalling that these leaders would prefer young people to risk the chance of contracting the HPV virus than be protected against it when they do choose to engage in sexual activity.
I personally do not believe that getting a vaccination for HPV would cause young people to go out and have sex earlier than they normally would have on their own; it only serves to protect them from any possible harm that could occur in their futures when they are sexually active. Young adults are going to engage in sexual activities regardless of whether or not they received a vaccination – not all young adults, but those who would do want to have sex. Some who want to wait to have sex until after marriage, whether they have chosen or have been forced to practice Catholicism, will still do so; they will just be better prepared and protected in their futures.
The catholic leaders have gone too far in this case, as they have in countless others. Why would anyone who claims to care for the youth of today, and the adults of tomorrow, stand in the way and attempt to shame people into following their orders? If their orders would actually benefit the health of people, and be a realistic way to live, then yes, I could respect it. But pretending that all young people who attend catholic school will never have premarital sex and will never marry someone who has already engaged in sexual activity with someone else is absolutely absurd. I am not saying that this doesn’t ever happen, I am sure it does – but every time? No.
Wouldn’t it just be best to allow the health care professionals, and scientists to make decisions on what is helpful and what isn’t when it comes to preventing a sometimes-fatal disease? Shouldn’t parents need to help their children make proper decisions that could logically help them stay safe and healthy? If religious leaders really wanted what was best for the youth, they would do whatever it takes to prepare them for their futures, regardless of the type of behaviour they wish to engage in.
There comes a time when religious authorities need to take a step back and recognize that it is time to step into the modern age, recognize that things are changing, and science sometimes trumps religious dogma.
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