Vaccine-Autism Link Case Goes To Court: Precedent-Setting Claim Over Whether Child's Autism Was Caused By Common Vaccines

[Guest guest]

" Since 1999, more than 4,800 families have filed claims with the government

alleging their children developed autism as a result of routine

vaccinations. Most contend that a preservative called thimerosal is to

blame for the impaired social interaction typical of the disorder.

Created in 1986, the federal vaccine court has already paid out $750

million for vaccine injuries, reports CBS News correspondent Sharyl

Attkisson, but it has never before tried an autism case.

The court is being asked to decide whether there is a link between autism

and childhood vaccines. If it finds one exists, the families could be

eligible for compensation under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Fund, a

program established by Congress to ensure an adequate supply of vaccines by

safeguarding manufacturers from lawsuits. Under the program, people injured

by vaccines receive compensation through a special trust fund.

"

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/06/11/health/main2911164.shtml

Vaccine-Autism Link Case Goes To Court

Precedent-Setting Claim Over Whether Child's Autism Was Caused By Common

Vaccines

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2007

CBS/AP) The parents of 12-year-old Cedillo asked a federal court

Monday to find that their child's autism was caused by common childhood

vaccines, a precedent-setting case that could pave the way for thousands of

autistic children to receive compensation from a government fund set up to

help people injured by the shots.

Wearing noise-canceling headphones, , of Yuma, Ariz., was brought

into the courtroom in a wheelchair at the start of the proceedings before

the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. She stayed only a short time.

Her parents, Theresa and Cedillo, allege a preservative called

thimerosal that had been used in vaccines weakened their daughter's immune

system and prevented her body from clearing the measles virus after she was

immunized for the disease at age 15 months.

Today, suffers from a litany of health problems, including severe

autism, inflammatory bowel disease, glaucoma and epilepsy.

" We hope to find out what happened and hopefully get the help she needs, "

said Theresa Cedillo, who takes care of her daughter full time at home.

Special Master Hastings Jr. thanked the family for allowing theirs

to be the first of nine test cases that will help guide the resolution of

some of the nearly 5,000 similar claims lodged with the government.

" Clearly the story of 's life is a tragic one, " Hastings said in

pledging to listen carefully to the evidence presented during the

three-week hearing.

The burden of proof is easier than in a traditional court. Plaintiffs only

have to prove that a link between autism and the shots is more likely than

not, based on a preponderance of evidence.

Large scientific studies have found no association between autism and

vaccines containing thimerosal.

But many parents say their children's symptoms did not show up until after

their children received the vaccines, required by many states for admission

to school.

" These are families who followed the rules. These are families who brought

children in for vaccines. These are families who immunized their children, "

said the Cedillos' attorney, Powers.

Powers said that the science regarding a possible vaccine-autism link is in

dispute.

Government attorney Matanoski dismissed much of what the plaintiffs

are expected to present as conjecture or speculation.

" You'll find their hypotheses untested or, when tested, have been found

false, " Matanoski said.

Since 1999, more than 4,800 families have filed claims with the government

alleging their children developed autism as a result of routine

vaccinations. Most contend that a preservative called thimerosal is to

blame for the impaired social interaction typical of the disorder.

Created in 1986, the federal vaccine court has already paid out $750

million for vaccine injuries, reports CBS News correspondent Sharyl

Attkisson, but it has never before tried an autism case.

The court is being asked to decide whether there is a link between autism

and childhood vaccines. If it finds one exists, the families could be

eligible for compensation under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Fund, a

program established by Congress to ensure an adequate supply of vaccines by

safeguarding manufacturers from lawsuits. Under the program, people injured

by vaccines receive compensation through a special trust fund.

Autism is characterized by impaired social interaction. Those affected

often have trouble communicating, and they exhibit unusual or severely

limited activities and interests. Classic symptoms of mercury poisoning

include anxiety, fatigue and abnormal irritation, as well as cognitive and

motor dysfunction.

Monday's case addresses the theory that the cause of autism is the measles,

mumps and rubella vaccine in combination with other vaccines containing

thimerosal. The preservative, about 50 percent mercury by weight, is no

longer found in routine childhood vaccines but is used in some flu shots.

In July 1999, the U.S. government asked vaccine manufacturers to eliminate

or reduce, as expeditiously as possible, the mercury content of their

vaccines to avoid any possibility of infants who receive vaccines being

exposed to more mercury than is recommended by federal guidelines.

© MMVII, CBS Interactive Inc. . This material may not be

published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press

contributed to this report.

--------------------------------------------------------

Sheri Nakken, R.N., MA, Hahnemannian Homeopath

Vaccination Information & Choice Network, Nevada City CA & Wales UK

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