Gardasil

I was recently asked if I'd allow my daughter to get the Gardasil vaccine. It was developed to prevent girls from getting HPV virus, which can lead to an increased risk of cervical cancer. So far, at least three deaths of young girls have been attributed to this vaccine (Take a look at the article Judicial Watch Uncovers Three Deaths Relating to HPV vaccine http://www.judicialwatch.org/6299.shtml) One of those girls was 12 at the time of death.
I can not imagine the pain her parents must have gone through - are still going through. She was vaccinated in March 2007.
We all choose to vaccinate or not vaccinate our children based on the information we have at the time. We must weigh the benefits and risks and make the best decision for our child. I'm having a hard time finding the benefit for this particular vaccine. The more I read, the more disgusted I become. I don't agree with everything this site says, but it has links to great articles about Gardasil http://www.cogforlife.org/gardasil.htm.
Some states are actually mandating this vaccine for girls entering the sixth grade! How about mandating a class on sexual awareness and...wait for it...SAFE SEX. I do not believe that educating our children will make them promiscuous. It will make them informed and better able to make decisions. I guess in answer to the original question, I'd rather teach my daughter about sex and risks and alternatives. She most certainly will not be receiving this vaccine, at least until she is older and makes the decision on her own. It is approved for girls age 9-26. I hope she never makes the decision to get vaccinated. And if she does, I pray the vaccine has been improved and is no longer dangerous.

Boys and Girls

I'm so thankful for my two beautiful little boys. And I'm also so very thankful for my beautiful pre-teen Morgaine who is most obviously going to be the death of me. Earlier this week she informed me that she would need to wear a tampon on Friday because maxis are just too bulky and icky to wear with her swimsuit. Oh boy.
Standing in the hall outside of the bathroom, I took a brief moment to reflect on my little girl's past 12 years. Then I mouthed a silent prayer, took a deep breath, and joined her in the bathroom. As I explained how to insert a tampon, it quickly became clear that she had no idea where to put it. Now, I've always tried to be open with her and have answered all of her questions honestly, no matter how painful for me. I just assumed the rest would come naturally. But no. All my fears of premature carnal knowledge were set aside when I saw the blank look on her face. Eventually, she got it.
I'm sure she would be mortified if she ever read this. So, if you know Morgaine, please don't tell her I told you, okay?