Sacramento - California State Assemblymember Dr. Ed Hernandez (D-West Covina) today agreed to become the lead author of AB16, an Assembly bill crafted to ensure that all young women in California have the opportunity to be immunized against the primary cause of cervical cancer.

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second most common form of cancer in women and is responsible for 233,000 deaths each year.  Of all cervical cancer cases, 70% are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which the new immunization would prevent against.

“This is about preventing cancer and saving lives, so I believe it vital to make the vaccine as accessible as possible” said Hernandez. 

Hernandez’ proposal would require that all female students in the state (in both public and private schools) be administered the vaccine before entering the 7th grade.

“We can eliminate the single largest cause of cervical cancer for thousands of women, just by making the new vaccine a part of California’s existing school immunization programs,” added Hernandez.

Hernandez’ legislation would also require the new immunization program conform to existing law, requiring health care providers who administer the vaccine provide written disclosure to the parent or guardian related to the HPV virus, its connection to cervical cancer, and the effects of the vaccine.  It would also allow parents to opt-out of the immunization program if it contradicts their religious or personal beliefs.

“Nobody in California can be forced to immunize their child,” continued Hernandez “we just want to make sure they have access to a safe, tested vaccine that could one day save their daughter’s life.”

The cervical cancer vaccine has been approved by the FDA, recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and its' use is supported by the American Cancer Society as well as the National Cancer Institute.

Cervical cancer disproportionately impacts young women, and treatment for the cancer can render them infertile at a young age.  Cervical cancer also has a higher rate of incidence among women of color, especially Latinas, and yet these women are less likely to receive routine screening.

“The real tragedy of this disease is that the women most vulnerable to cervical cancer are the ones least likely to receive the preventative care they require,” said Hernandez.

Approximately $1.7 billion is spent each year in the United States to treat cervical cancer.