A Catholic school in England has banned immunization of girls with a vaccine that inoculates against some forms of the virus that causes cervical cancer.

Supporters of vaccinations against human papilloma virus, or HPV, claim they are needed to ensure that girls who become sexually active do not acquire the virus.

But in a letter sent out to the parents of girls at St. Monica’s Catholic High School in Greater Manchester, the school’s governors noted the vaccine protects against only 70% of cervical cancers and can have serious side-effects.

Detailed documentation of negative side-effects caused by the HPV vaccine has been posted on the Internet here by Judicial Watch.

Msgr. John Allen, one of St. Monica’s governors, complained last year that pupils involved in a pilot scheme were being used as “guinea pigs,” the Telegraph reported.

Msgr. Allen said the Catholic Church has a better way of protecting against HPV.

Said Msgr. Allen, “Instead of taking it for granted that teenagers will engage in sexual activity, we can offer a vision of a full life keeping yourself for a lifelong partnership in marriage.”

— Tom McFeely