Latest Report Shows Steady Decline in Autism
Source: PrNewswire.com
'We were hopeful that the trend would continue after last April's report ... Now we have a third consecutive quarter with the numbers going down ... ' -Lyn Redwood, RN, MSN, president of SafeMinds
WASHINGTON, July 19 /PRNewswire/ -- SafeMinds -- America's leading scientific organization investigating the risks that mercury-containing medical products pose to children -- is cautiously optimistic over a third consecutive report from the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) showing a decline in new requests for autism related services. "We were hopeful that the trend would continue after last April's report showed the first ever two-quarter decline in 20 years. Now we have a third consecutive quarter with the numbers going down even further, which is a welcome relief for American families," said Lyn Redwood, RN, MSN, president of SafeMinds. "Even with this encouraging news, vigilance and continued research should be the course of continued action."
This latest report continues to bolster expectations that the removal of Thimerosal from infant vaccines and products administered to RH negative mothers during pregnancy would result in a decline in the number of cases of mercury-induced autism in children. "It has long been the scientifically supported belief of SafeMinds that such a trend would be witnessed following the decreased use of Thimerosal, and this trend seems to support our research," continued Redwood.
"In 2002, the CDC told the Committee on Government Reform that they were waiting to see how the 'prevalence [of autism] may have been impacted based on the removal of Thimerosal from vaccines.' I guess now they have their answer," said Redwood.
In response to the proposition that the decline is attributable to California's budget crisis, Redwood offered, "Such callous spin would be nothing more than a slap in the face to the families dealing with autism every day. The record clearly shows that budget issues, past or present, have no impact on these reports.
"This data amplifies the need to pass the legislation in Congress that will once and for all remove the threat to America's children from mercury- containing vaccines," said Redwood in reference to HR.4169, the "Mercury-Free Vaccine Act of 2004", introduced in Congress by Rep. Dave Weldon, MD (R-Fla.). "While remaining cautious, this trend nonetheless renews our efforts to lead a grassroots campaign for support and passage of HR. 4169."
CONTACT:
Joe Giganti, 703-928-9695
Joe@VeritasMediaGroup.com
SOURCE SafeMinds
Web Site: http://www.safeminds.org
