Federal Hearings have begun to Determine Vaccine-Autism Link

AP/AH : Jun 13, 2007
CBN News, AP

Because of the controversy, the U.S. government asked manufacturers to lower or eliminate the mercury content in childhood vaccines.

(Washington D.C.)—This week Federal hearings began to determine whether or not mercury contained within childhood vaccines was the cause for the development of autism in some children.

Those taking their case to the court are asking for compensation from a special trust fund established by Congress to help affected families while still protecting manufacturers of vaccines, insuring that there won't be a shortage.

Previously, vaccines in the U.S. had contained the preservative, Thimerosal, which is almost 50% mercury. After concerns were raised—over a possible connection between children displaying the characteristics of Autism and the symptoms of mercury poisoning—the U.S. Government told manufacturers to either "lower, or eliminate mercury content in childhood vaccines."