Autism Not Caused By Vaccines

Recently vaccine-preventable diseases have been making a comeback in this country, even costing some children their lives. It's almost unthinkable that children may scarred or killed by a disease that easily could have been prevented, but it's happening. The reason it's been happening is that a small, but vocal group have been insisting that childhood vaccinations can cause autism.

That's a frightening thought, and it has caused a growing number of parents to refuse to get their children vaccinated. Scientists have denied there is a link between vaccines and autism, but some in the autism community believe otherwise. Thousands of parents of autistic children had their hopes for a monetary payment from vaccine producers hanging on a recent case before the U.S. Court of Claims.

The court, composed of three "special masters", was hearing cases brought by three sets of parents of autistic children, who claim to have proof of a connection between vaccines and autism. This court doesn't have as stringent standards for proof as regular courts. Instead of "beyond a reasonable doubt", the standard is only that the link was "probable". But they couldn't even meet this lesser standard.

The court found their evidence to be "weak, contradictory and unpersuasive". The court said, "Sadly, the petitioners in this litigation have been the victims of bad science conducted to support litigation rather than to advance medical and scientific understanding."

This was a victory for science over fear. Infectious disease expert Dr. Paul Offit said, "It’s a great day for science, it’s a great day for America’s children when the court rules in favor of science. A choice not to get a vaccine is not a risk-free choice." And that's the real point. It is important for children to be vaccinated against a whole host of preventable diseases.

I know this case will not convince everyone. There will be some parents who will still endanger their children because they cannot accept science over their own mistaken beliefs. I just hope the number will be a lot smaller.