Sunday, March 04, 2007

Dognapped! and HPV

Some pure-bred Yorkshire terriers were dognapped at gunpoint from their home in L.A. Now, all except one have been returned. What is this world coming to? The puppies are really adorable.

There's a debate on whether the HPV vaccine should be compulsory for girls in 6th grade onwards. First of all, I hate that issues concerning women's reproductive health are always politicized. I don't hear any debates about Viagra. This should be a personal choice. I believe in the benefits of the vaccine although the idea of making it compulsory isn't appealing. A lot of conservative parents are opposed to the idea and they have a right to be. But should a parent's conservative beliefs be enforced if they're detrimental to the child? For example, Jehovah's witnesses refuse blood transfusions. What happens when a child is in dire need of one but the peroz refuse based on their religious beliefs? Technically, it can't be done without their consent unless perhaps in an emergency (even that is a gray area). Anyway, the debate is on.

10 comments:

The Black Mamba said...

The HPV vaccine program is a case of corporate greed by Merck. They are trying to make a quick buck.

As for Viagra, you don't need to be a genius to know that it quietly sells like hot cakes. In the UK it will soon be available without a doctor's prescription. And all the men say 'Amen'.

Acolyte said...

I do think that pharmaceutical companies in America wield too much power I do think that at the end of the day the choice should be open to the parents. As for the vaccine I will have do some research about it's effects on children.

Girl next door said...

@Ssebonge,
Big pharma companies are ingenious: making a vaccine compulsory assures them of steady income for many years to come.

While nobody is debating the issues surrounding viagra, plan B contraception (which is so necessary) is another hot button issue. On issues concerning women's sexuality, people get moral and conservative all of a sudden.

@Cat,
I believe in most vaccinations and their benefits (aren't they all commercial?). Obviously, there are risks even with the most common ones. Like a flu shot could cause a major allergic reaction with airway and breathing problems. But most of us get it anyway.

It's true that artificial blood products are available, whether or not they're a healthier choice is debatable because they also have disadvantages. I respect personal beliefs and choices (religious or otherwise), but even mainstream commercialized products have proven benefits and value.

@Acolyte,
I hear Big Pharma has one of the most powerful lobby groups in Washington D.C. Obviously their money gives them a lot of clout.

egm said...

Working for a company that develops products used in the pharmaceutical industry, I can see why they would go to such lengths to ensure a steady income. That stuff is not cheap. On the other hand, that does not necessarily give them the right to push for things just so they can break even at the expense of the well-being of people.

Anonymous said...

Anything that bring a buck through the door is good game for anyone. For any invention out there, there is always a counter to it, it is how the world works. Live with it

Girl next door said...

@Egm,
Those companies are quite successful and recouping all the money they put into making their products.

@Anon,
I believe we expect more for products that are meant to improve people's health.

Anonymous said...

Like you said when it is anything to do with a woman's body men have there mouths wide open. I think we should start opening out mouths about issues concerning the reproductive health of men.

Anonymous said...

Furthermore, the goverment has made the chickenpox vaccine, measles and small pox cumpolsury. Should the goverment roll back these laws also.

@cat- I've read about the mercury and autism link but are you willing to end the use of vaccinations and risk the outbreak of diseases like miseales, mumps polio etc...

Chatterly said...

I read about the dognapping,apparently one of those doggies can bring up to 2,000USD.
That HPV vaccine thingie is just one way of making money.

Girl next door said...

@Beautyinbaltimore,
It's the age-old double standard at work again. Women always have to battle for their reproductive rights.

Vaccines always have risks, but the benefits are usually greater. Polio is a great example of an illness most of the world hasn't had to deal with due to modern vaccines.

@Chatterly,
I never used to realize the monetary value of those purebreds. But the puppies are so adorable. If I got my hands on one, I'd keep it for myself!
The hpv vaccine will obviously make money for Merck, but can also benefit the public at the same time.