House Republican Press Release

September 7, 2007

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. HOVEY: YOUNG WOMEN SHOULD BE VACCINATED AGAINST CERVICAL CANCER

Area legislator addresses national organization on HPV issues

On Friday, August 24, State Representative DebraLee Hovey  (R-Monroe, Newtown) addressed the national Women In Government organization at its regional conference in Sundance, Utah. The conference, which focused on Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) and cervical cancer, was attended by female legislators from throughout the United States.

During Rep. Hovey’s presentation, she strongly advocated the need for young women to be vaccinated against HPV. During the General Assembly’s 2007 session, she introduced legislation to promote awareness of the disease. She added that she has learned a great deal from introducing her legislation regarding concerns legislators have on the HPV vaccine.

“This is really a matter of saving lives and we must do everything possible to better educate Connecticut’s women on HPV,” said Rep. Hovey. “I look forward to working with my fellow legislators to help address related issue and better protect young women from this disease during the next legislative session.”

The federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) recently added the HPV vaccine to the list of recommended vaccinations for preteen girls. Rep. Hovey noted that a key component of efforts to prevent HPV and cervical cancer must involve ensuring girls and women aged 9 to 26 have necessary health insurance to cover the vaccine.

Worldwide, cervical cancer is the second leading cancer-killer of women, with almost a quarter-million deaths each year.  According to a WIG report issued earlier this year, Connecticut remains in the top-performing tier states in terms of cervical cancer incidence, mortality and screening rates.