Governor Lobbied Against HPV Bill Over Concern About Mandates

Gov. Mike Pence says he lobbied against legislation encouraging more young people to get vaccinated against HPV because of concerns about government mandates. 

The proposed House bill, authored by Muncie Democrat Sue Errington, set a goal for the state to have 80 percent of 13- to 15-year olds vaccinated against HPV a virus linked to several forms of cancer, including cervical cancer by 2020. Only around 20 percent of Hoosiers are currently vaccinated against it. 

The bill was defeated after several lawmakers voiced concerns about the state requiring parents to vaccinate. Something House Minority Leader Scott Pelath says wasn’t a part of the bill.

“What we’re seeing is old-fashioned thinking about real-life, modern issues,” Pelath said.

But Gov. Pence says setting a goal could lead to a vaccination requirement.

“I just think this is a matter better left to parents in consultation with their doctors,” he said.

Pence says the state already does enough by providing information to parents about the vaccine.