The Belize Cancer Society has come out expressing its grave concern at the recent statement made by the Roman Catholic Diocese regarding the HPV vaccine. The Cancer Society said that this statement contradicts the position outlined in 2016.
The press release explained that in 2016, while the society and MOH engaged in nationwide consultations and education discussions with leaders of the Catholic Church and Schools regarding the HPV vaccine, the Roman Catholic Chancery issued a letter signed by Bishop Dorick Wright and Auxiliary Bishop Christopher Glancy recognizing the vaccine as an important tool in protecting young women from HPV related cervical cancer. The letter also stated that the Catholic Church and Catholic Public Schools Management had agreed to collaborate with the Ministry of Health and the Belize Cancer Society in facilitating access to the vaccine within Catholic public schools. The letter also emphasized parental education, informed consent, and respect for the right of parents to choose whether or not their child would receive the vaccine.
The Belize Cancer Society says while it respects the significant role the church plays in Belizean society, children should not be denied their rights to access public health programs that can prevent cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine has been widely used internationally and has been proven as a method of preventing cervical cancer.
