February 4, 2010: This week, the British Medical Journal, the Lancet, retracted a twelve year old study published by Dr. Andrew Wakefield. This study is widely credited for spearheading the theory that childhood vaccinations could be causing some cases of autism. Celebrities worldwide including Jenny McCarthy and Robert Kennedy have publicly suggested a connection and pushed for additional research. Subsequent studies have not been able to support Wakefield’s claims, however the public has not been satisfied that no connection exists. Probably the best thing that has come from all of this is the worldwide focus on Autism and investment of so many research dollars into the cause.The Lancet retraction comes a day after the body overseeing physician conduct in the United Kingdom handed down a verdict against Wakefield, concluding that these findings “which include those of dishonesty and misleading conduct, would not be insufficient to support a finding of serious professional misconduct.” (p. 55).

Read the Complete text of the General Medical Council of the United Kingdom in the Wakefield Case
Read the story about the Lancet Retraction in the Los Angeles Times