Comments on: ABC series “Eli Stone”

By: Barry

Barry — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:55:28 +0000

Dr. Ritvo proclaims that the lack of a connection is “scientifically demonstrated beyond question” and identifies his affiliation with the Autism Society of America, to bolster his credibility. However, the ASA website, under “Causes of Autism” contains the following verbatim statement:

“The question of a relationship between vaccines and autism continues to be debated. In a 2001 investigation by the Institute of Medicine, a committee concluded that the “evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship…. between MMR vaccines and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD).” The committee acknowledged, however, that “they could not rule out” the possibility that the MMR vaccine could contribute to ASD in a small number of children. While other researchers agree the data does not support a link between the MMR and autism, more research is clearly needed.”

By: Edward R. Ritvo, MD

Edward R. Ritvo, MD — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:05:58 +0000

There is no connection between vaccinations and autism, (scientifically demonstrated beyond question), and all children must be vaccinated to prevent further measles brain damage from measles,a proven cause of brain damage.
Edward R.Ritvo, MD
former Chairman, Professional Advisory Board, Autism Society of America, and Professor Emeritus, UCLA Medical School

By: OBQuiet

OBQuiet — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 08:09:11 +0000

Doreen, Forgive me for not having access to the actual report but the summary given here(note corrected URL): http://www.iom.edu/CMS/3793/4705/20155.aspx seems to say that they felt that most evidence pointed elsewhere and seems to imply that funding should be directed elsewhere.

By: Ted

Ted — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 07:42:07 +0000

You're quoting the 2001 report. The 2004 report said "The committee concludes that the body of epidemiological evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between the MMR vaccine and autism. The committee also concludes that the body of epidemiological evidence favors rejection of a causal relationship between thimerosal-containing vaccines and autism." And the 2004 IOM report even came out before the recent rise in California autism that happened after thimerosal was removed from vaccines. It's scientifically settled amongst all reasonable people, including the CDC.

By: Doreen Carlson

Doreen Carlson — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:53:42 +0000

Your statement “scientifically settled” is absolutely false. The Institute of Medicine(IOM.org) 2004 safety review on pg 41 of the meeting hard copy states the finding is NEUTRAL. “Evidence is inadequate to accept or reject a causal relationship between thimerosal and autism” – is their exact statement. FAR FROM REAMS of conclusive studies exonerating vaccines. Nov 2007 Journal of Child Neurology just published + finding of mercury blood levels correlate with autism. READ before you go to print with misinformation on the critical topic of child health. IOM findings are misquoted – they did NOT exonerate thimerosal.

By: David

David — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 09:28:31 +0000

Although I can usually overcome the completely absurd actions of lawyers and the unrealistic treatment of the law on TV (e.g. a case coming to trial roughly 15 minutes after the client first arrives at the lawyers office, etc.), Eli Stone’s “switching sides” in the middle of a lawsuit, where an essentially non-waivable conflict was evidently acceptable thanks to a “Chinese Wall,” was a pretty big leap.

As far as the thimerosal “controversy,” yesterday, Don Imus on his astoundingly unimpressive radio show was upset with the NYT article for noting that there was little scientific support for the continued blaming of thimerosal, arguing that “many” scientists still thought there might be a connection.

I noted to a friend that there are far more scientists who question man’s role in global warming than still support the thimerosal/autism link.

By: Xmas

Xmas — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 12:30:40 +0000

You’re missing the point. Eli is totally psychotic and suffering from visions. He’s madder than Allie “Dancing Baby” McBeal.