Planned Parenthood of Santa Barbara is now offering injections of Gardasil, the controversial human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine. The incidence of HPV – which can lead to cervical cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death among women – is so widespread that some states have sought to make vaccination of junior high school girls mandatory, sparking opposition among some religious-based groups. Planned Parenthood recommends the vaccine for women 12 to 26 years old, but parental consent will be required for anyone under the age of 18.
