Vaccine doesn't cause autism, U.S. court says
February 13, 2009
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WASHINGTON–In a big blow to parents who believe vaccines caused their children's autism, a special U.S. court ruled yesterday the shots are not to blame.
The court said the evidence was overwhelmingly contrary to the parents' claims – and backed years of science that found no risk.
"It was abundantly clear that petitioners' theories of causation were speculative and unpersuasive," the court concluded in one of a trio of cases ruled yesterday.
The ruling was anxiously awaited by health authorities and families who began presenting evidence in June 2007.
More than 5,500 claims have been filed by families seeking compensation through the U.S. government's Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. The claims are reviewed by special masters serving on the U.S. Court of Claims.
"Hopefully, the determination by the special masters will help reassure parents that vaccines do not cause autism," a disorder characterized by impaired social interaction, the health and human services department said in a statement.
A lawyer for the families did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
Associated Press
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