Kids will be kids?

A new drug could significantly reduce the chance of contracting a (primarily) sexually transmitted disease, but some argue FDA approval might encourage risky behavior. Are the critics socially conservative parents worried about teenage sexual activity? Nope. They’re doctors. According to The Wall Street Journal, some medical officials are concerned about allowing the HIV treatment drug Truvada to enter the market. Research indicates the drug may reduce the chance of at-risk people contracting the deadly virus. But the Journal notes, “Some doctors argue the clinical data aren’t strong enough and that approval could undermine other HIV prevention efforts like condom use.” Keep that in mind next time someone bashes a parents’ group for voicing similar concerns. If doctors worry medical advances could create unintended incentive for risky behavior among adults, shouldn’t we be especially careful when dealing with immature teenagers?

(AP Photo/Gilead Sciences)

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