By host Tom Ashbrook:

HPV, the human papilloma virus, is the most common sexually transmitted disease in America. The more partners the greater your chance of getting it. And it can be a killer, especially for women, as some strands of it can cause cervical cancer.

Now, federal health experts have recommended that all 11 to 12-year old American girls get a newly-approved vaccine that blocks most types of the virus and the cancer that can follow.

Big decisions are pending for states that will decide whether to make it mandatory and for families weighing a breakthrough with big implications for their young daughters’ long-term health and sex lives.

Hear about sex, health, daughters, and decisions on a breakthrough new vaccine.

Guests:

Jane Allen, health and medical writer who reports on women’s health issues, including HPV and cervical cancer. She writes for Los Angeles magazine and Oprah’s O Magazine.

Janet Gilsdorf, Chair of the HPV Working Group for the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and Professor of Pediatrics and Communicable Diseases at the University of Michigan

Linda Klepacki, Analyst for Sexual Health, Focus on the Family

Katha Pollitt, Columnist for The Nation and the author of “Virginity or Death! And Other Social and Political Issues of Our Time”.