The U.S. House passed an amendment Wednesday that will keep the government from funding mandatory vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Republican Reps. Phil Gingrey of Georgia and Jim Jordan of Ohio introduced the amendment following efforts across the country to require young girls to receive the vaccine to attend school.
Merck & Co.’s Gardasil vaccine protects against the four most common strains of HPV, a sexually transmitted infection. Focus on the Family Action supports widespread availability of the vaccine, but holds that parents should make the decision of whether their daughters are vaccinated.
Linda Klepacki, sexual health analyst for Focus Action, said: “We applaud the passing of this amendment preserving parental choice.”
