Bachmann rubbed me wrong on the HPV part of the debate. Perry and Cain are my picks after tonight (subject to change, of course).
The facts are pretty clear about Gardasil: (1) Perry signed the Exec Order, (2) Perry said he was wrong, (3) Perry explained he was thinking protection against cancer as the source of that mistake.
Bachmann said the immunization was forced on little 12 year old girls.
Santorum said Perry had no reason to think HPV was a communicable disease.
Bachmann is wrong because, whether we like this option or not, there WAS an opt out.
Santorum is correct today, sort of, but not as correct when the gardasil decision was made. Current research at the time was showing HPV communicable both orally and, in some research, even by contact with objects. While I’ve not found any research disproving the oral transmission of HPV, I have found research disproving object transmission.
However, AT THAT TIME, there was under consideration at least 3 methods of transmission:
1. Promiscuous sexuality
2. Sex with one partner unaware of his/her infection
3. Oral transmission