Linda Spohn, in her letter to the editor, repeats the mantra that the adoption of the Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine (Gardasil) will encourage sexual promiscuity. She further writes, "Natural law (written in the heart of every man) and moral absolutes do have a place in society. When not followed, disease and death knock at the door." What Ms. Spohn lays bare is the utter disdain with which members of the Religious Right hold life on Earth. To them, improvements in human life are a threat to be opposed. Much like the opposition the Church mounted to the use of anesthesia, the opposition to Gardasil is reflective of the Dark Ages mentality that once ruled the world. Even if it were true that this vaccine would encourage promiscuity, it is a still a beneficial vaccine due to the fact that it will undisputably decrease the total disease burden of HPV and cervical cancer. While Governor Rick Perry's initiative allows parents to opt-out of the vaccine, it is still a bold step given the overt hostility of people exemplified by Ms. Spohn. Governor Perry, in answering similar criticism is particularly adroit, "If we had a vaccine that would do away with lung cancer, I don't think that would tell people that — you know, go out and start smokinng, no more than this vaccine is going to deal with the sexual side of this."