Perry Still Weighing Options On HPV Bill

AUSTIN (AP) – Time is running out for Governor Rick Perry to decide what to do with a bill involving a vaccine against the virus that causes cervical cancer.

The measure would block state officials from following Perry’s executive order requiring schoolgirls to be vaccinated. Perry has until midnight Tuesday to sign or veto the bill — or it will become law without his signature.

A Perry spokeswoman says the governor is still weighing his options. The socially conservative Republican in February issued an executive order requiring the human papilloma virus vaccine for sixth-grade girls starting in September of 2008.

Many legislators were outraged that Perry acted without consulting them. The bill would block state officials from requiring H-P-V shots for four years.

Then lawmakers could extend the ban or allow health officials to add H-P-V to the list of vaccinations required for school attendance.

The bill barring officials from requiring the HPV vaccine is HB1098.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)