New Mexico to Approve Cancer Vaccine

Lawmakers in the U.S. state of New Mexico are the second to approve a new vaccine that protects against the Human Papillomavirsu (HPV). HPV is a potentially dangerous sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer.

The new law in New Mexico will make it a requirement for all girls entering sixth grade to have gotten the vaccine. The law making the new cancer vaccine a requirement was passed by the state house on Sunday. According to Gilbert Gallegos, a spokesman for the state Governor Bill Richardson, the governor will approve the bill as soon as he sees it.

The Associated Press has quoted Governor Richardson as saying, "it's a public health issue, and I believe it's an important step. New Mexico has always been progressive on these issues... We've got to find ways for young women to be protected."

Once the new bill has been fully signed into law it will take ninety days for it to become effective. This means it would be a requirement starting June 15, 2007.

Only one other U.S state has made it compulsory for young girls to receive the cancer vaccine. This is the state of Texas. However there are number of other states now considering the same action.

Making the cancer vaccine a requirement has not come without controversy. Because of a large amount of pressure from medical groups and parents the maker of the cancer vaccine, Merck & Co has put its lobbying activities on hold.

The first state to make the vaccine a requirement had its own controversy over the decision. Apparently Texas governor, Rick Perry made the vaccine compulsory for all girls going into sixth grade without involving the state legislature. Perry has also been accused of making the move because the vaccines maker Merk & Co contributed to his campaign for governor. Texas has made the vaccine a requirement from September 2008.

Other states are trying to bring the vaccine into law, but in ways that would cause less uproar by parents. The governor of Massachusetts, Deval Patrick has suggested that the vaccine be free for any girls between the ages of 9 and 18 that would like to get it.