Autism :: UK doctor faces GMC panel for Autism – MMR scare

The British doctor, who first suggested a link between the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine and autism, is facing charges of serious professional misconduct, an inquiry into his fitness to practise in UK.

Dr Wakefield, Professor Walker-Smith and Professor Murch, were at the relevant times employed by the Royal Free Hospital School of Medicine with Honorary Clinical contracts at the Royal Free Hospital.

It is alleged that the three practitioners were named as Responsible Consultants on an application made to the Ethical Practices Committee of the Royal Free Hospital NHS Trust (?the ethics committee?) in 1996 to undertake a research study involving children who suffered from gastrointestinal symptoms and a rare behavioural condition called disintegrative disorder. The title of the study was ?A new paediatric syndrome: enteritis and disintegrative disorder following measles/rubella vaccination?.

The GMC Panel will inquire into allegations that the three practitioners undertook research during the period 1996-98 without proper ethical approval, failed to conduct the research in accordance with the application submitted to the ethics committee, and failed to treat the children admitted into the study in accordance with the terms of the approval given by the ethics committee. For example, it will be alleged that some of the children did not qualify for the study on the basis of their behavioural symptoms.

Wakefield stands accused of conducting operations on children — including colonoscopies and lumbar punctures — which were arguably unnecessary, of coordinating his research with lawyers for autism patients, and of taking blood from children at a birthday party to use for research purposes in return for a monetary payment.

Numerous studies have concluded that there is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism or bowel disease, and the vast majority of the medical establishment supports the vaccine’s use.


Leave a Comment