HPV Shots Shot Down

The Texas legislature has shot down mandatory HPV shots for women.

The vaccine can prevent HPV, a leading cause of cervical cancer. Gov Rick Perry (R-TX) wanted the shots required for all sixth-grade girls before they could attend public schools.

Just a couple of problems.

First, HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, and conservatives argued that the shots -- making girls immune to one STD -- would also make them easy, more willing to have pre-marital sex.

Second, Merck -- the vaccine's maker -- flooded Texas campaign committees with cash the same day Gov Perry's office began it's blitz to make the shots mandatory. Gov Perry picked up a $5,000 donation. Merck split another five-grand among eight state legislators.