KENTUCKY: Watkins Pre-Files Bill on Cervical Cancer Vaccine

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2008. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

KENTUCKY: Watkins Pre-Files Bill on Cervical Cancer Vaccine

Courier Journal (Louisville) (12.12.08) - Monday, December 15, 2008

State Rep. David Watkins (D-Henderson) has pre-filed a bill that would require girls attending public and private schools in Kentucky to be immunized against the STD human papillomavirus. It is the third year the representative - who is also a physician - has sponsored such a bill. In past legislative sessions, supporters have argued the HPV vaccine, which protects against strains of the virus linked to 70 percent of cervical cancer cases, could save lives. But opponents have maintained that vaccinating young girls could promote promiscuity, and requiring the immunization undercuts parental authority. Under the new bill, parental consent could be withheld for any reason. Watkins' measure also requires the state Department of Public Health to provide information on the link between HPV and cervical cancer on its Web site and in public and private schools.
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