SANTA FE — In a turnabout, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson today vetoed a bill that would have required girls entering 6th grade to be vaccinated against the sexually transmitted virus that can cause cervical cancer.

Richardson had earlier indicated that he would sign the bill after it won approval from the Legislature last month.

But he said Tuesday that parents and doctors from across the state had contacted him with concerns about the program.

He said the legislation did not provide enough time to educate parents, schools and health care workers about the vaccine.

The governor did sign a related bill, which requires that health insurance policies and plans provide coverage for the HPV vaccine.