Bachmann attacks Perry's HPV vaccine mandate

[September 13, 2011]  TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann is attacking Rick Perry's decision to require that sixth-grade girls receive a vaccination to prevent the human papillomavirus. As governor of Texas, Perry signed an executive order mandating the HPV shots, though his decision was overturned by the state legislature.

Bachmann says that order amounted to a "government injection" that threatened the rights of parents.

Perry is standing by his decision to require the vaccines because they can prevent cervical cancer. Perry says supporting the vaccinations means supporting life.

Still, Perry says he would have changed the process he used to require the shots. Instead of using an executive order, Perry says he would have gone through the legislature.

Bachmann's comments came as the Republican presidential candidates sparred at the second of three debates this month.

[Associated Press]

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