Our View: Healthy decision

A generation ago, parents were delighted when a new vaccine was developed against rubella, a virus linked to a devastating range of birth defects.

They bundled up their baby boomer daughters and zipped them off to doctors’ offices for the shots – well before they were ready to bear children.

As far as we recall, that rash of vaccinations didn’t encourage the boomer generation to start having babies any earlier than usual. It simply represented a down payment on the long-term health of the young women as well as the next generation.

After an outbreak of rubella in the mid-1960s, 20,000 American babies were born with defects. Today, there are fewer than 10 cases of congenital rubella syndrome reported each year.

Now another generation of parents has a similar vaccine to contemplate. A new three-shot series, called Gardasil, can prevent human papillomavirus, which is sexually transmitted and causes 70 percent of all cervical cancers.

Like the rubella vaccine, it works best before women become sexually active. That’s why a federal immunization advisory group recommends giving it to girls ages 11 and 12. It’s also recommended for women up to age 26.

When Texas Gov. Rick Perry decided to make the vaccine mandatory in his state, a controversy erupted. The maker of the drug, Merck, managed to muck up the process with inappropriate lobbying.

Fortunately, Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire takes another approach.

She’s asking for state funds to buy the vaccine at a discount (it retails at $360 for the series) and make it available to women ages 18 and younger on a voluntary basis. The state Legislature is also considering a bill that would require schools to educate sixth-graders’ parents about the vaccinations.

It’s wise to involve parents in the decisions surrounding their children’s long-range health. Most, like those rubella-fearing moms of another generation, are thrilled there’s now a vaccine against cancer. They’re eager to safeguard their daughters’ health for years ahead.

Others fear the loss of one more negative consequence of sexual activity before marriage. They believe that the threat of cancer might help persuade their teen daughters to avoid sex.

Loving parents always scramble to protect their children. And while we think healthy parental relationships and solid science creates a better shield than fear, we understand the depth of their concern.

Washington’s moderate approach allows caring parents to make the choice.