Iowa House Passes Bill Requiring Parental Consent for Minors to Receive HPV Vaccine

Democrats argue the measure could lead to higher cancer rates in the state.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:53am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A ghostly, translucent X-ray photograph revealing the intricate cellular structures of the human cervix, hinting at the importance of the HPV vaccine in preventing cervical cancer.An X-ray view of the cervix reveals the critical role of the HPV vaccine in preventing certain cancers.Des Moines Today

The Iowa House passed legislation that would require parental consent for minors to receive the HPV and hepatitis B vaccines, which are currently exempt from parental approval requirements in the state. Democrats argue the bill is 'pro-cancer' and could result in higher cancer rates, while Republicans say it simply subjects these vaccines to the same requirements as other childhood immunizations.

Why it matters

The HPV vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of certain cancers, including cervical, penile, anal, and vaginal cancers. Requiring parental consent could lead to lower vaccination rates and potentially higher cancer rates, especially among vulnerable youth who may not have trusted adult guardians.

The details

Senate File 304 passed the Iowa House by a vote of 63-29. The bill would remove the current exemption in Iowa law that allows minors to consent to receiving the HPV and hepatitis B vaccines without parental approval. Supporters of the bill, like Rep. Jeff Shipley, say it is about ensuring parental oversight, while opponents like Rep. Austin Baeth argue it is a 'pro-cancer' measure that will put lives at risk.

  • The Iowa House passed the bill on Tuesday, April 15, 2026.
  • The measure now heads to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk for final approval.

The players

Rep. Austin Baeth

A Democratic state representative and internal medicine physician who opposed the bill, calling it a 'pro-cancer bill'.

Rep. Jeff Shipley

A Republican state representative who supported the bill, saying it is about ensuring parental approval for these vaccines.

Rep. Megan Srinivas

A Democratic state representative who opposed the bill, arguing it does not account for situations where a parent may not be a trusted adult in a child's life.

Rep. Austin Harris

A Republican state representative who disagreed with the 'pro-cancer' characterization of the bill, saying it simply subjects the HPV and hepatitis B vaccines to the same requirements as other childhood immunizations.

Gov. Kim Reynolds

The governor of Iowa who will have final approval over the bill.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have, with these vaccines, a way to save people's lives. And in a state with the fastest-rising cancer rates, the second highest cancer rate overall, we should be doing more to prevent cancer, not less.”

— Rep. Austin Baeth, Democratic state representative and internal medicine physician

“This conversation about needing to always trust our adults does not take the bad actors into account. And what we should be keeping in mind, as we are passing legislation, are the most vulnerable in our society, which are the children that we have been entrusted to protect.”

— Rep. Megan Srinivas, Democratic state representative

“Are we pro-polio because we require parental consent? Pro-measles, pro-mumps, everything else? And I take it personally as someone who has a mother, who is a breast cancer survivor, to be accused of saying, 'I'm pro-cancer.'”

— Rep. Austin Harris, Republican state representative

What’s next

The bill now heads to Gov. Kim Reynolds' desk for final approval.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions around parental rights, public health, and protecting vulnerable youth. While supporters argue for parental oversight, opponents warn the measure could have serious public health consequences by reducing access to important cancer-preventing vaccines.