Changes

Alternative means of protection against cervical cancer include [[abstinence]] (most effective) and barrier contraception which reduces the likelihood of exposure, but does not eliminate risk.<ref>http://cdc.gov/STD/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm#reducerisk</ref>  Early signs of cervical cancer can be detected via pap smear which is effective if done regularly, but only ''detects'' infection or precancerous changes.  It does not ''prevent'' infection, but can prevent progression from infection to cancer. <ref>http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm#cancer</ref>.  

Alternative means of protection against cervical cancer include [[abstinence]] (most effective) and barrier contraception which reduces the likelihood of exposure, but does not eliminate risk.<ref>http://cdc.gov/STD/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm#reducerisk</ref>  Early signs of cervical cancer can be detected via pap smear which is effective if done regularly, but only ''detects'' infection or precancerous changes.  It does not ''prevent'' infection, but can prevent progression from infection to cancer. <ref>http://www.cdc.gov/std/HPV/STDFact-HPV.htm#cancer</ref>.  

Proponents praise it as the first vaccine against cancer. Opponents say it will lead to sexual [[disinhibition]].<ref>The New Scientist in Britain quoted the [[Family Research Council]]'s Bridget Maher warning that "giving the HPV vaccine to young women could be potentially harmful, because they may see it as a license to engage in [[premarital sex]]." [http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1206813,00.html Defusing the War Over the "Promiscuity" Vaccine - TIME]</ref>

Proponents praise it as the first vaccine against cancer. Opponents say it will lead to sexual [[disinhibition]].<ref>The New Scientist in Britain quoted the [[Family Research Council]]'s Bridget Maher warning that "giving the HPV vaccine to young women could be potentially harmful, because they may see it as a license to engage in premarital sex." [http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1206813,00.html Defusing the War Over the "Promiscuity" Vaccine - TIME]</ref>

The [[Association of American Physicians and Surgeons]], the Texas Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics do not support making this vaccine mandatory.

The [[Association of American Physicians and Surgeons]], the Texas Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics do not support making this vaccine mandatory.