Back in February 2007, I wrote that the state of Texas was mandating that all 6th grade girls be vaccinated with Gardasil, the Merck HPV vaccine, that promises to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer in Texas by 70% within a generation. I applauded Gov. Rick Perry for getting out ahead of the curve with his bold public health policy mandate.

In short order, the press questioned Perry's motivation when it disclosed that Merck (who manufactures Gardasil) had donated a total of $10,000 to Perry and eight Texas lawmakers. Then a groundswell of complaints were raised by concerned parents. Some resented the mandated HPV vaccine treatment as contrary to their religious beliefs. Others voiced fears that their daughters might become promiscuous if the fear of cervical cancer was removed. The volume of complaints was surprising even after Perry explained that parents already had the option to opt out of the mandate on an individual basis if they wished.

At the end of April, the Texas legislature approved a bill that prevents mandatory vaccination for school girls for 4 years. Perry can veto, but the legislature would likely override his veto due to the overwhelming numbers in favor of the delay.

In next 4 years, over 6,000 new cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in Texas and over 1,500 Texas women will die of the disease.