Statewide, Iowa – State law lets minors get health care that’s related to the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases without a parent’s permission, but a bill passed by the legislature would no longer let minors get vaccinated against HPV and hepatitis B without a parent’s permission.
Republican Representative Austin Harris of Moulton says parental consent is required for other vaccines and the bill ensures parents give consent for vaccinations against hepatitis B and HPV.
The hepatitis B vaccine helps prevent liver cancer and the HPV vaccine prevents six types of cancer. Representative Austin Baeth (BAYTH), a Democrat from Des Moines who’s a doctor, says if the governor signs the bill into law, fewer kids will get these vaccines.
Republican Representative Jeff Shipley of Fairfield says if a doctor wants to vaccinate a child, convincing the child’s parents that it’s a good idea is a reasonable step that should be required by Iowa law.
KIWA Staff Photo
