What do you think: Journal Retracts 1998 Paper Linking Autism to Vaccines

Posted by Helen Hipp on February 3, 2010

It has been over a decade since the Lancet published a study led by Andrew Wakefield that connected the symptoms of autism directly to the Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine. The journal issued a full retraction today. In an New York Times article written by Gardiner Harris, reports “Dr. Wakefield had been dishonest, violated basic research ethics rules and showed a “callous disregard” for the suffering of children involved in his research”. His dishonestly was only the tip of the iceberg. More than unethical, as a parent who has raised a child with Aspergers, and a professional who works to support adults with special needs and their families I am disgusted! Not only did his methods cause unnecessary pain to children but he benefited financially from creating an illusion of false hope that persuading parents and caregivers to pursue treatments that were a waste of time and money. Let me know what you think.

Helen