HPV Vaccine Legislation Keeps Moving

Today, the D.C. Council's Committee of the Whole passed the Human Papillomavirus Vaccination and Reporting Act of 2007, which would establish a vaccination program for sixth-grade girls in the city. Kids whose families can't afford to pay would get free shots.

The bill, sponsored by At-Large Councilmember David Catania, now moves to the full Council for a bunch of readings and a final vote. (What's the difference between the Committee of the Whole and the full Council? Not much.)

The debate on this issue's been pretty polarized: It's either a pioneering initiative to save women's lives, or it's a cynical attempt to enrich a drug company by administering an untested drug. Or it's just plain racist.

I happen to think it's a pioneering initiative to save women's lives that stands to enrich a drug company by administering an untested drug. Not racist, though.