Bill gives option of free cervical cancer vaccine

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — The South Carolina House has approved a bill providing students a free vaccine that prevents a sexually transmitted, cancer-causing virus, if their parents choose to pursue it.

The House approved the measure Wednesday that provides the option to students who are entering the seventh grade. Informational brochures on the vaccine for human papillomavirus, known as HPV, would be provided to parents of sixth-graders.

The amended bill contains a funding caveat. The Department of Health and Environmental Control would provide the informational materials and free vaccines only if it receives the money to do so.

Rep. Bakari Sellers says the program will hopefully be part of the agency’s funding request to legislators next year. The Denmark Democrat says it’s meant to educate parents and hopefully save lives.