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Calif. Bill Would Allow Minors To Get HPV Vaccine

Democratic Assemblywoman Toni Atkins represents San Diego's 78th district
Toni Atkins
Democratic Assemblywoman Toni Atkins represents San Diego's 78th district
Assemblywoman Sponsors HPV Vaccine Bill
GuestsDemocratic Assemblywoman Toni Atkins represents San Diego's 76th district Cheryl Saenz, MD, a clinical professor in the UC San Diego Department of Reproductive Medicine.

Among the hundreds of bills awaiting Governor Jerry Brown's signature or veto, one concerns a national political talking point.

AB 499, introduced by San Diego Assemblywoman Toni Atkins, would allow minors to consent to getting the HPV vaccination even without parental approval.

During a recent Republican presidential debate, the controversy over the HPV vaccine and its potential side-effects got a national airing.

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Advocates of the vaccine say it can remove most of the risk of girls developing cervical cancer later in life. Critics say the drug companies are overselling the vaccine, and not being honest about side effects.