Va. gov. proposes cancer vaccine change

The governor on Monday proposed a measure to make it easier for parents to exempt their daughters from receiving a vaccine for the sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer.

Last month, the Legislature passed bills to require all girls entering the sixth grade to get the vaccine for the human papillomavirus, or HPV.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's amendment would eliminate the need for parents or guardians to submit written requests for their children to opt out of the vaccine, called Gardasil.

"While I believe that this vaccine shows great promise for preventing cancer, I believe that the decision to administer this vaccine should be made by parents," Kaine said in a statement.

The Legislature will reconvene for a one-day session April 4 to consider Kaine's proposal.

Virginia's legislature was the first to pass a bill requiring the vaccine for girls. Texas Gov. Rick Perry sidestepped the Legislature and ordered the shots for girls there, but lawmakers are considering overriding that order.

Bills were introduced in about 20 states to require the vaccine, but some have backed off because of concerns over the vaccine's safety and protests from conservatives who say requiring it promotes promiscuity and erodes parents' rights.