Catholic Diocese Says It Supports HPV Vaccine But Opposes School Rollout

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Belize City and Belmopan is seeking to clarify its position on the national HPV vaccination campaign, stressing tonight that the Church is not opposed to the vaccine itself, but rather has concerns about the way the program is being administered within schools.  The clarification follows growing public discussion after the Catholic Chancery Office issued a May fifth letter indicating that Ministry of Health and Wellness personnel would not be permitted to conduct HPV vaccination campaigns on Catholic school compounds.

In a statement issued today, the Diocese explained that while it recognizes the HPV vaccine as ethically acceptable and acknowledges its health benefits, it does not support a standardized school-based vaccination model for what it describes as a sexually transmitted infection.

According to the Church, its concerns center on parental rights, informed consent, and ensuring that families are able to make healthcare decisions for their children in consultation with trusted medical professionals. The Diocese says it believes such decisions are best made in a clinical setting rather than through school-based programs.  The statement further emphasized that parents should receive adequate information regarding the vaccine’s benefits, risks, and alternatives, and that consent should always be voluntary and free from pressure or coercion.

Today, Father Scott of the Catholic Diocese also sought to dispel suggestions that tensions exist between the Church and the Ministry of Health and Wellness over the issue. He says recent public commentary has created a false impression that there is hostility between both sides, which he insists is not the case.

Viewers can expect more from the Catholic Church on this ongoing discussion in tomorrow’s newscast