CERVICAL CANCER VACCINE #2Arthur Caplan, one of the world's leading bioethicists, addressed the opening reception of the IHEU-Appignani Bioethics Conference at the Turkish Consulate, United Nations Plaza, NYC, on Friday evening, April 21,2006.
He disclosed that a vaccine for Cervical Cancer would soon become available. Caplan predicted a great public debate would soon begin. The vaccine has to be given to young girls or women before they commence sexual activity. For girls in their early teens, this will raise questions about parental control and informed consent.
The vaccination will cost $200. Access to the vaccine by women in poorer countries is especially important since Cervical Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in those areas.