Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

September 5, 2008 8:45:45 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Docs Demand ABC Pull Vaccine-Autism Drama

Posted Jan 29, 08 4:17 AM CST in Arts & Living,  Science & Health 

(Newser) – Angry pediatricians are demanding the first episode of new ABC legal drama "Eli Stone" be pulled because of its dangerous message about childhood vaccinations, reports USA Today. Doctors say the storyline, in which a woman wins a $5.2 million judgment against vaccine companies because of her son's autism, will give viewers "the destructive idea that vaccines cause autism"—and trigger a drop in vaccination rates, said a statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Critics of immunization argue that a mercury-based ingredient in childhood vaccines can cause autism, but several medical studies have found no link. ABC "will bear responsibility for the needless suffering and potential deaths of children from parents' decisions not to immunize," said the statement to ABC. The network has rejected the request, but plans to run a disclaimer at the start of the show emphasizing that it's fictional.

Sources USA Today, Reuters

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon
Vaccines are shown in a refrigerator, Thursday, Nov. 28, 2007, at the Polk County Public Health Dept. in Des Moines, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)   (Associated Press)
Natasha Henstridge, star of "Eli Stone" poses for photographers on the red carpet during the arrivals of ABC's 2007-2008 preview in New York, Tuesday, May 15, 2007. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (1 of 2)

Tags

television  • doctor  • ABC  • vaccine  • autism  • pediatricians


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular


Other Science & Health Stories

What is Newser?

2008 Codie Finalist

Newser gives you more news in less time. We search for the best and most important stories all over the web, read them for you, and deliver concise and sharp summaries—along with links to the full text. Newser provides a way to stay on top of an ever-expanding horizon of news and opinion—politics, sports, business, trends, technology, personalities, crimes, and controversies. Newser keeps you not just better informed, but, with our signature graphic interface and smart condensed format, more enjoyably informed.

Learn more »