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  &lt;span class=&quot;section&quot;&gt;Forum&lt;/span&gt;
  | &lt;span class=&quot;byline&quot;&gt;Emily Dobler&lt;/span&gt;
  
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      &lt;p&gt;California Governor Jerry Brown signed a law allowing children as young as 12 years old the power to consent to HPV vaccines on Sunday. Upon first glance, this does not seem like such a big deal. HPV vaccines are known to combat human papillomavirus, precancerous cervical cell changes, and (potentially the most important) sexually transmitted diseases. This should be considered an achievement; Brown should be commended for his forward thinking. The measure was even backed by groups including the California STD Controllers Association, the Health Officers Association of California, and the American Civil Liberties Union.&lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;I couldn&rsquo;t agree more with Brown and his supporters&rsquo; decision. If anything, this law is a step in the right direction for our nation&rsquo;s youth. Yes, 12 years old seems incredibly young to start discussing the grim realities of adulthood. &lt;/p&gt;

&lt;p&gt;But by giving young teens the opportunity to reach out and find help for any STD related problems, Brown is encouraging an ope...&lt;/p&gt;

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        Read the full article
        &lt;a href=&quot;http://thetartan.org/2011/10/10/forum/sex_and_conservatives&quot;&gt;online&lt;/a&gt;.
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      &lt;p&gt;Emily Dobler (edobler@) is news editor for The Tartan.&lt;/p&gt;

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