By Tim Waggoner

Joanne Matters OTTAWA, June 3, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Halton Catholic School Board trustee Joanne Matters has proposed a motion to curtail the current offering and administration of the HPV vaccine Gardasil in Halton schools. This comes as a surprise because last September saw Matters, a known pro-life advocate, vote in favor of allowing the vaccine into Halton schools.

If passed, this new motion would reverse September’s decision on grounds that the administration of HPV vaccines in Catholic schools conveys “contradictory” messages to Catholic teachings on sexuality, which has always maintained that sex belongs solely in the sacrament of marriage. It would seem that promoting vaccines to prevent diseases only communicable through sexual activity undermines this principle.

One student representative commented on the mixed messages that resulted from September’s decision.

“I’m taught every day to save myself for marriage and practice abstinence,” said 16-year-old Erin Gamble. “Giving the vaccine to Grade 8 girls contradicts what I have been taught.” “I go to a Catholic school every day for a reason,” Gamble added. “I have a big problem with this.”

The three student representatives to the board were not allowed to partake in the September vote, but had they, all would have cast ballots in favor of keeping Gardasil out of the schools.

FDA reports have shown that there have been 11 deaths associated with the vaccine in its first year of use not to mention hundreds of hospitalizations and over 3500 reported adverse effects.

Merck, the maker of the vaccine, was criticized for making large donations to government officials, in attempts to gain rapid approval of Gardasil in both Canada and the US.

Pro-life groups have urged a boycott against Merck since it is a major supporter of Planned Parenthood.

To contact trustees at the HCDSB school board see the bottom of this previous LifeSiteNews.com story:

Ontario Bishops Warn Catholic Trustees Against HPV Vaccine – Second Board Delays Vaccination Program https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/sep/07091407.html

See other LifeSiteNews.com related coverage:

Halton Catholic School Board Approves Controversial HPV Vaccinations on School Premises
https://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2007/sep/07091904.html

HPV Vaccine Researcher Blasts Mandatory Marketing
https://www.ahrp.org/cms/content/view/503/27/

The Case Against Mandatory HPV Vaccinations
https://www.ahrp.org/cms/content/view/508/28/

Se more articles on the Alliance for Human Research Project website
https://www.ahrp.org/cms/index.php?searchword=Gardasil&option=com_search&Itemid=5