Senate Bill 4394: Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Bill

Author:
Senator Kenneth P. LaValle

Summary:
Senate Bill 4394 has been carried over from the 2007 session and would add the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to immunizations required in NY. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a group of viruses that have about 100 different strains or types. Over 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted. While most HPV infections are dealt with by the body’s immune system and no symptoms occur, there are several types that can cause cancer or genital warts. Adding this vaccine doesn't change anything for homeschoolers, they still don’t have to provide immunization records, etc. to their local school district officials.

In addition to the standard exemptions already allowed for those opposed to immunizations, S.B. 4394 would permit a parent to simply provide a written statement that they don’t want their child to have the HPV vaccine—no reason is required.

S.B. 4394 would basically force parents to “opt out” of the HPV vaccine but would be relatively easy to do.

Status:

4/13/2007

Referred to the Health Committee

HSLDA's Position:
Neutral.

Action Requested:
None at this time, however HSLDA will continue to monitor this bill.

Background:
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a group of viruses that have about 100 different strains or types. Over 30 of these viruses are sexually transmitted. While most HPV infections are dealt with by the body’s immune system and no symptoms occur, there are several types that can cause cancer or genital warts. For more information about HPV see the Center for Disease Control and Prevention information.

Those who are most likely to get HPV are those who have sex at an early age, have many sex partners, or have a sex partner who has had many partners.

However, the vaccine, Gardasil, will not cure or treat HPV. There is currently no cure for these sexually transmitted viruses. Even the FDA and the CDE admit the only “cure” is abstinence before marriage and a monogamous relationship during marriage.

HSLDA believes that parents should be the ones to determine whether this immunization is right for their daughters, and not forced upon them by the legislature. This is more of a parental rights issue than a homeschool issue.

Other Resources

Bill Text