Bachmann attacks Perry's HPV vaccine mandate

Republican presidential candidates, from left, Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry cover their hearts during the playing of the National Anthem before a Republican presidential debate Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Republican presidential candidates, from left, Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Texas Gov. Rick Perry cover their hearts during the playing of the National Anthem before a Republican presidential debate Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Republican presidential candidate Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., gestures during a Republican presidential debate Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

Republican presidential candidate Texas Gov. Rick Perry gestures during a Republican presidential debate Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Mike Carlson)

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

Source: http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/89ae8247abe8493fae24405546e9a1aa/Article_2011-09-12-Republicans%20Debate-HPV/id-6510039479214ae6b58d2173d22ece69

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