SACRAMENTO – On Sunday Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed Senate Bill 158, legislation by Sen. Patricia Wiggins (D-Santa Rosa) that would have required health insurance plans that currently cover cervical cancer screening to also provide coverage for the genital human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine for girls ages 11 through 26.

Wiggins called the governor's decision a "profound disappointment."

"HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection, and the virus is also the only known cause for cervical cancer," Wiggins said. "For this reason, it is important for women to get screened regularly for cervical cancer."

The vaccine for cervical cancer, Gardasil (manufactured by Merck), was introduced in 2006, and involves a series of three shots that is given over a year’s time.

"It is essential that women have access to and are provided coverage for receiving the only known vaccination to prevent a form of cancer," Wiggins said. "It is unfortunate that Schwarzenegger saw fit to veto legislation that would have assisted in the prevention of cervical cancer while also limiting high, long-term health care costs."

The Wiggins bill had broad support, with backers including the American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists District IX, the American Cancer Society, the California Commission on the Status of Women, the California Communities United Institute, the California Medical Association, the Medical Oncology Association of Southern California, the Pacific Institute for Women’s Health and Pharmacy Access Partnership, and Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California.