A new TV drama set to premiere on ABC today January 31st called “Eli Stone” is facing controversy already for its first episode, which will deal with the whole vaccine-autism myth. In its introductory episode of Eli Stone, which is a legal drama, the main character (Eli) is set to defend a family who claims that a vaccine is responsible for their child’s autism.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has expressed their concerns regarding this issue, in which they beleive parents my not vaccine their children in fear of autism, and has recommended ABC not to air this episode. From AP:
But, said Dr. Renee R. Jenkins, president of the influential American Academy of Pediatrics, “A television show that perpetuates the myth that vaccines cause autism is the height of reckless irresponsibility on the part of ABC and its parent company, The Walt Disney Co.”
I am glad that there is concern about perpetuating the vaccine myth, and I hope parents do the right thing and don’t let a TV show influence their decision about vaccinating their children.
From Associated Press
Also, Ginger from Adventures in Autism has an interesting take on all this.
Popularity: 71% [?]
Leave a comment