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The House of Delegates has rejected a proposal to give parents information about a vaccine to prevent a virus that can lead to cervical cancer.
Del. Chris Stolle of Virginia Beach offered the idea as an amendment to legislation repealing Virginia's mandate that girls receive vaccinations against the human papillomavirus, or HPV. Virginia is one of only two states with such a requirement, although the law includes a liberal opt-out provision.
HPV is spread through sexual contact. Some conservative lawmakers believe the vaccine promotes promiscuity.
Stolle, a gynecologist, said that even if the mandate is repealed, the state health commissioner should still be required to send information to parents. The House voted 63-34 to reject his amendment, then gave preliminary approval to the bill on a voice vote.