The HPV Vaccine: Controversy, Litigation, and Lobbying

Ever since the human papillomavirus vaccine (HPV) won FDA approval, it has been steeped in controversy. From pharmaceutical lobbying efforts to lawsuits claiming harm—and even death—this vaccine, approved for both boys and girls ages 9 and up, has at its best, a shady history.

Lobbying Backlash

Approved in 2006 and introduced in 2007 in Texas via mandate under then-Governor Rick Perry, Gardasil (manufactured by Merck), the first human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, has been under scrutiny ever since.

Back then, Governor Perry had issued an executive order mandating that all sixth-grade girls in Texas receive the HPV vaccine as a public health measure to reduce cervical cancer cases. The executive order bypassed the Texas legislature, leading to backlash from both political parties, parents, and conservative groups.

The controversy was further fueled by conflicts of interest between Merck and Governor Perry:

1. Merck, the manufacturer of Gardasil, had a financial stake in making the vaccine mandatory. The company donated $6,000 to Perry's campaign and employed Mike Toomey, Perry's former chief of staff, as a lobbyist. Additionally, Perry's administration was aware that the mandate would benefit Merck exclusively since it was the only FDA-approved HPV vaccine at the time.
2. Merck funded Women in Government (WIG), an advocacy group promoting policies like mandatory HPV vaccination. A Texas state representative affiliated with WIG was related to Perry's chief of staff, raising further concerns about undue influence.

Because of the backlash, the mandate was overturned by the Texas legislature within months.^(1,2)

No Responsibility to Warn Patients

In March 2025, Judge Kenneth Bell ruled in favor of Merck in cases alleging that Gardasil caused conditions like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and premature ovarian failure (POF). The judge concluded that Merck was not legally required to add warnings about these risks due to insufficient evidence at the time the safety signals emerged.⁽³⁾

Litigation Continues

While Merck has successfully defended against many claims, litigation continues for unresolved cases. No settlements or significant payouts have been reported so far, and appeals are ongoing for dismissed claims.

Reported Disorders Following HPV Vaccination⁽⁴⁾

• Autoimmune Disorders: Cases of autoimmune conditions such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), systemic lupus erythematosus, and POTS.
• Chronic Fatigue and Pain: Persistent fatigue, chronic pain, and conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
• Fertility Concerns: Concerns about premature ovarian failure are linked to the vaccine.

VAERS Grossly Underreported

It is estimated that only one to 10 percent of serious health events caused by vaccines in the U.S. are ever reported to the federal Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS).

As of March 28, 2025, VAERS reported 79,013 reports of HPV vaccine reactions, hospitalizations, injuries, and deaths.⁽⁵⁾

Big Pharma at It Again

Merck’s actions surrounding lobbying, payouts, and litigation practices have made them unreliable and even suspect in their claims of the efficacy and safety of their product. Just like the growing list of other pharmaceutical giants, they are not to be trusted.

Citations

1. Texas Tribune. (2011, August 15). Facing new scrutiny, Perry walks back HPV decision. Retrieved April 10, 2025, from https://www.texastribune.org/2011/08/15/facing-new-scrutiny-perry-walks-back-hpv-decision/
2. CBS News. (2011, August 15). Rick Perry's Gardasil U-turn: Here's what actually happened back in 2007. Retrieved April 10, 2025, from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rick-perrys-gardasil-u-turn-heres-what-actually-happened-back-in-2007/
3. Fierce Pharma. (2025). Merck emerges victorious in Gardasil safety litigation, knocking out 200 lawsuits nationwide. Retrieved April 10, 2025, from https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/merck-emerges-victorious-gardasil-safety-litigation-knocking-out-200-lawsuits-nationwide
4. Wisner Baum. (2025). Gardasil lawsuit. Retrieved April 10, 2025, from https://www.wisnerbaum.com/prescription-drugs/gardasil-lawsuit/
5. National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC). (2025). HPV vaccine injury and death. Retrieved April 10, 2025, from  https://www.nvic.org/disease-vaccine/hpv/vaccine-injury

Written By: Brooke Lounsbury