Amanda Peet and the Vaccination Debate
July 22, 2008 – 2:05 pm by Ben's MomAmanda Peet recently spoke out on Cookie Magazine regarding “the misinformation” about vaccinations, famously quoting “Frankly, I feel that parents who don’t vaccinate their children are parasites.” She was referring to the concept that unvaccinated children benefit from the “shield” created by the inoculated. She denounced the link between vaccinations and autism — hitting a cord with celeb Jenny McCarthy who blames her son’s autism, in part, on vaccinations. You can see what she said here:
She sparked quite a debate: David Kirby, writing for the Huffington Post, brings up lots of political statements and actions in his post Amanda Peet vs. the Medical Establishment. Then Dr. Novella gives the scientific counterpoints on his NeuroLogica Blog (to which Kirby responded, of course). And Kev at LeftBrainRightBrain, an autism blog jumps into the debate “correcting” Kirby in his post David Kirby vs. Accuracy. And, many more have jumped into the debate as well.
Of course, we moms just want to know the truth — are vaccinations leading to autism? are they unsafe in any way? or are they critical in protecting our children from life-threatening diseases? I don’t have the answer - so, moms, do your research (the posts listed above are a good start at understanding the issues) and talk to your pediatrician and make the right decision for you and your child. I think we will be hearing a lot more on this debate for years to come, and we will certainly be hearing from Ms. Peet and Ms. McCarthy!
And - let me know what you think. To vaccinate or not — how did you decide?
6 Responses to “Amanda Peet and the Vaccination Debate”
http://current.com/items/89127942_amanda_peet_and_vaccinations#comments
By Kim on Jul 23, 2008
She clearly stepped in it with her comments/tone, but it does seem absurb that there isn’t a clear answer one way or another?
By Danielle B on Jul 23, 2008
Thanks for your comment Danielle. I agree - I think all the research isn’t in yet. For FDA “approved” findings, studies have so many requirements that it takes scientists years to release the results they know to be true. I am guessing that is the case here. It seems that most of the available scientific evidence points to vaccinations being safe.
By Ben's Mom on Jul 24, 2008
There are many GOOD ways to inform people and bring attention to autism.
Midnight In Chicago does it with their Autism Spectrum Podcasts at http://www.mic.mypodcast.com where people can hear the “Autism and Vaccines: Parts I & II” podcasts.
The podcasts quote sources which may be much more accurate than Ms. McCarthy’s opinion.
MIC also has the “Countdown to Midnight” CD that sends proceeds to reputable autism charities.
Spread the word. It is important we get the FACTS out on autism.
By Thomas D. Taylor on Aug 11, 2008
Thanks for the great resources Thomas!
By Ben's Mom on Aug 12, 2008