Autism claims on thimerosal reach special "vaccine court"

Although the scientific evidence would seem to absolve vaccines from blame in causing autism, many parents remain unconvinced.

By Susan J. Landers, AMNews staff. July 9, 2007.

Washington -- The debate over mercury's role in causing autism is having its day in court. A test case is under way in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., to determine if the autism diagnosed in a 12-year-old girl was caused by a measles, mumps and rubella vaccine administered when she was an infant.

Cedillo v. Secretary of Health and Human Services is the first to be heard of the 4,800 petitions filed by families of children with autism. Its outcome is of prime importance to the families seeking monetary support to help care for their children. It is also of great importance to physicians who are concerned that a decision favoring the families could undermine the perceived safety of vaccines.

A preponderance of scientific evidence gathered by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention studies and Institute of Medicine reports has cleared vaccines and the mercury-containing preservative thimerosal of any autism involvement. But many parents and others are unconvinced.

In 2001, thimerosal was removed from most vaccines routinely given to infants.

The case now being heard by a special master appointed under the congressionally mandated National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program began June 11 and was expected to conclude in about three weeks. Two other special masters, who serve as judges, each would hear other test cases before any decisions are rendered.

Decisions made in these special "vaccine courts" also can be appealed in civil courts.