Pharmaceutical giant Merck will stop lobbying for laws requiring girls to be vaccinated against HPV, the virus that causes many cases of cervical cancer, according to the Rocky Mountain News. Merck faced a public outcry after news came that it was funding a lobbying campaign through the bipartisan organization Women in Government. Colorado state Sen. Suzanne Williams, a Women in Government member, is sponsoring SB 80, which would require all school-age girls to be vaccinated, although parents could opt out. Similar legislation has been introduced in 28 other states, largely because of the Merck push. Now, SB 80 co-sponsor Mike May says the bill could be amended.
More info:
Rocky Mountain News story
Colorado Confidential coverage:
Mandating the HPV Vaccine
HPV Vaccine Bill Approved By Senate Committee
