House Bill 81: HPV Vaccination Required

Author:
Representatives Edna Brown (D), Clyde Evans (R), Courtney Eric Combs (R), Fred Strahorn (D), Kenny Yuko (D), Robert J. Otterman (D), Chris Redfern (D), Kathleen Chandler (D), Lorraine M. Fende (D), Brian G. Williams (D), and Peter S. Ujvagi (D)

Summary:
House Bill 81 requires, beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, that every female student entering the sixth grade to be immunized against the human papillomavirus. The student’s parent or guardian may refuse the immunization by presenting a written, signed statement declining the immunization and verifying that he or she has received information on “the connection between the human papillomavirus and cervical cancer.”

Status:

2/28/2007		(House) Introduced
3/6/2007		(House) Referred to House Health Committee

HSLDA's Position:
Oppose. Although, the proposed bill allows parents to opt out of the immunization for any reason, this legislation is unnecessary and potentially dangerous to children, weakens parental rights, and sends the wrong message to children in any educational setting.

Action Requested:
None at this time.

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.

The vaccine, Gardasil, will not cure or treat HPV. There is currently no cure for these sexually transmitted viruses. Even the FDA and the CDC admit the only “cure” is abstinence before marriage and a monogamous relationship during marriage. Furthermore there are concerns about possible side effects of this vaccine.

HSLDA believes that parents should be the ones to determine whether this immunization is right for their daughters, and it should not be forced upon them by the legislature. This is more of a parental rights issue than a homeschool issue. However, it is vitally important that homeschool families take a stand for parental freedom in Ohio.

While the body’s immune system deals with most HPV infections and no symptoms occur, there are several types that can cause cancer or genital warts. For more information about HPV visit the Center for Disease Control’s fact sheet on HPV infection.

Other Resources

Bill Text