Hollywood's Autism Wars: McCarthy V. Peets
Jenny McCarthy isn’t buying what Amanda Peet is selling. The former Playboy bunny has refused to accept actress Amanda Peet’s recent apology for calling parents of unvaccinated children “parasites,” blasting the “Saving Silverman” star’s continued urging of moms and dads not to keep their kids from the doctor’s needle.So here's my question: is it actually possible that the Jenny versus Amanda controversy will make a difference in the way that parents think about vaccines? Will parents actually make decisions about their child's health based on articles like this one?“She has a lot of [nerve] to come forward and be on that side, because there is an angry mob on my side, and I like the fact that I can say she’s completely wrong,” McCarthy stated in this month’s issue of Spectrum magazine.
“…I still believe that the decision not to vaccinate our children bodes for a dangerous future,” Peet told Cookie magazine this summer, after apologizing for her “mean and divisive” comments made in a previous interview with the publication. “…It’s irresponsible to suggest that virtually the entire medical community and the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) are behind a massive cover-up about vaccine safety.”
What's your feeling? Do you stand with Jenny or Amanda? Do you feel that either should have a voice in decisions about vaccinations? How important do you think these actresses have become in major decisions about public health issues?
Comments
McCarthy reinforces the unfounded notion, held by some parents, that vaccines cause autism. I doubt that she’s persuading too many people to change their minds. Fortunately the vast majority of parents still listen to their doctors.
It’s really overly simplistic to frame the discussion as “McCarthy v. Peet”. It’s more like magical thinking v. science, or marketing hype v. empirical evidence.
IF vaccinations are NOT problem, how does one explain the fact that Amish children don’t suffer from autism?? Wake up…..the drug companies are being protected!
It really isn’t about Jenny or Mrs. Peets!
Well, both are speaking about 2 different topics. Both topics are important to the public.
I think both actresses have a right to speak their opinions on what they believe. I think they both should just leave each other alone, or more so the one stop attacking the other for her beliefs. It’s like forcing some one to be quiet because they want you to be quiet. Ms. McCarthy stated in many other articles she does not so much oppose vaccines, she wants a ’safer’ safer vaccine schedule.
I don’t really care if Ms. McCarthy forgives Ms. Peet’s word she used. There’s a few things questionable Ms. McCarthy has said too. Now please notice what Ms. McCarthy used as a descriptive word towards part of the autism community. “Angry Mob”. I’m glad I’m not part of any of that anger.
The autism community will never get any where while continuing to be divided. We all should also forgive and I’m surprised since Ms. McCarthy had a message from God, that He also didn’t explain the forgiving part.
Grandma, what proof do you have that the Amish don’t have autism, other than a poorly investigated series by an ex-UPI reporter?
Even if autism rates are lower in the Amish community, it is a fact many still vaccinate their kids. It could also more show a genetic link, being they do not marry outside their community.
The Amish Myth is the brainchild of a UPI writer named Dan Olmsted. In the spring of 2005, Olmsted claimed that he searched Lancaster County, PA, for cases of autism and only found two or three. By his reckoning, there should have been 50 or so.
But Olmsted in his infinite sleuthing overlooked the mysteriously named Clinic for Special Children in Strasburg, which treats dozens of children who present with symptoms of autism. He never visited the clinic, and only started calling after his article ran. Understandably, no one at the clinic returned Mr. Olmsted’s calls.
The CLC also holds a weekly vaccination clinic, and in the past 20 years the vaccination rate among the Lancaster Amish has climbed to 90 percent, thanks to the dedication of the clinic staff.
Olmsted rationalizes his fabrication by telling us the Amish kids at the clinic have the wrong type of autism. He also says he’s through talking answering questions.
Olmsted still holds that autism is rare among the Amish. But if that is true, then it follows that vaccines don’t cause autism, since the Amish vaccinate at nearly the same rate as the rest of us.
To be honest, I am so tired of listening to celebrities discuss things like they are experts, that includes politics. These people are so ego driven that they believe they are the way and the light. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and so are the celebrities, but not everyone wants to hear what these mostly uneducated people have to say. It is actually dangerous when they speak because there are actually people out there who, for some reason, look up to them and believe they are experts. People need to do their own research and then make an informed decision. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem that Hollywood will shut their big mouths anytime soon.
I am as educated about autism as Ms. McCarthy, if not more as I have listened and investigated all sides, not just those that I agree with. I sit on boards and am also on our county’s autism task force. What I absolutely resent the most is her “telling” me what caused MY son’s autism. I know that it is a mix of environmental, genetic and other unknown factors. Live your own life, not mine!
It really doesn’t matter who is right, Jenny or Amanda. It doesn’t matter if the Amish community has children with autism or not. What matters is that children receive vaccines in a SAFE manner and there is no reason why the CDC cannot check their egos at the door and dictate a safe vaccine scheudle, and what REALLY matters is that children who are already afflicted with autism get the therapeutic and medical attention they deserve, like any other child who is sick. I am disgusted by the immature ranting over this issue, as children lose day after day, not getting the attention they deserve. Let’s put energy into getting politicians and hollywood to help families afford care for their children or at the very least mandate insurance companies to cover the massive costs. If we can save the manatees and the whales and all the other endangered wildlife, we can surely save these kids!!!
I do think that Jenny and Peets have a right to their opinion, but for Peets to call us parasites was of very poor taste and it brings into question her creditability.
I do think that Jenny speaking out on a subject that hit so close to home will have an influence on how parents look at vaccinations.The Mercury moms have been screaming for years about what vaccines did to our children and Jenny has the power to relay that message and it will be heard.
Peets on the other hand is using an argument that is not going to hold. It’s not the first time that greed is put before the well being of the population.
The CDC, FDA, and big Pharma, are not above the law and the will have to answer one day.
I think it is important to remember that each of these women are well-meaning, caring mothers who are trying to help, but they are not experts. They are celebrities declaring their own opinions based on their own experience and research. I am a mother of a high functioning autistic child and I personally feel that we don’t have all the answers and each parent needs to work with their doctors to decide what is the best course of action regarding vaccinations and their own child. I think children need to be vaccinated, but that the schedule of vaccines needs to be determined on a case by case basis. This topic is like so many other issues surrounding autism treatments like gluten free & casein free diets, chelation, etc. There are so many ‘cures’, it is important to research them and decide with your physician or naturopath what treatments to try. Being part of an angry mob, judging other parents and spending energy fighting other parents points of view takes energy away from helping your own child and working to give them the best possible life experience. It’s important to have an opinion, to support research regarding the cause and treatment of autism, but not at the expense of the efforts you expend working with, playing with and loving your autistic child.
Those of us who care about children with autism need to navigate a path past the vaccination issue. Divisiveness is not constructive. The arguments are in. Find a platform that everyone can tolerate, and move on to more important issues that help research causes and treatments.
I argue that for the present people should study the particular concerns about vaccines, and try to take a path that seems best to them. Also, respect that others have different opinions which we may try to respectfully change. BUT keep the personality politics out of this.
Vaccine issues break down: Thimerisol, Frequency, MMR specifics.
1. Thimerisol preservative. First it was the thimerisol in the vaccines that caused autism.
The evidence that it was not thimerisol that caused autism have been argued by both sides. Consider this, thimerisol has been out of vaccines in England and California for a few years now, but the rate of new cases of autism is not declining. [Anecdotally, our son has autism, but never was exposed to vaccines with thimerisol. He was too young.] However, do we really want to introduce mercury (thimerisol) into anyone’s system? It is best removed from all vaccines. Ask for this when you get your adult flu shots as well. Consumers demand it, and it will become more available.
2. Frequency:
Then, there is the argument that it is the frequency of the vaccinations within the first years of our childrens’ lives. I think there are still studies to try to put this concern to rest.
Getting numerous challenges to a small child’s immune system from the vaccines may turn out to be too much.
IDEA: How about a study to find out if small children can enjoy the benefits of the vaccines’ immunization by spacing out the vaccinations? That is what we did after our son was diagnosed. We stretch out the vaccinations with months in between, instead of slamming 2-4 vaccinations into him per visit. [I know it is anecdotal, but he has not had downturns in his autism after his vaccinations.]
3. MMR Vaccine Contents:
A more recent controversy I have seen concerns the onsets, or downturns, in autism after MMR vaccinations. As I understand it, there are two parts of this vaccination that are different from the 1960-1980 generation (pre-autism epidemic generation). First, the Mumps part of the vaccination. Second, the number and frequency of the vaccination doses.
So, should there be a study looking into the Mumps addition to MMR as a trigger? Also, the number and frequency question to be studied (see above)?
Study after study comes out saying that vaccines don’t cause autism. But, many people are adamant that a giant conspiracy is occurring.
Even as the arguments about components of the vaccinations face scientific evidence to the contrary, these face the burden of anecdotal evidence where parents note that their child’s symptoms of autism came out during the period that they were getting vaccinated. The difference between causation and correlation is difficult for many people. [How many people still think that cold weather gives people a headcold, instead of a virus?]
So many people are making vaccinations the focal point of autism. The point is that we want the epidemic to stop, and for there to be better treatment for our children. The arguments should be around why there is not more funding for research and support.
Amy is right. It is in each parent’s judgement what is best for their child. Each child is individual and the path to the best treatment must be determined each time after studying options with professionals.
McCarthy is not saying no vaccines, she’s promoting safer ones and a safer schedule.
When thousands of moms see their normal child decend into autism a handful of days after their vaccination, its insulting to suggest to them that studies say murcury, ALUMIUM, FORMALDEHYDE, and other vaccination toxins are harmles. Empirical evidence matters!!
I think there are toxins from many different environmental sources that are just now being considered. The cause is likely something much more benign and everyday than a vaccine. I wish that the current research studies of environmental toxins would get the amount of publicity that the argument over vaccines and these celebrities differing opinions are getting. Wouldn’t all of our energy be better used raising money for this kind of research?
When thousands of moms see their normal child decend (sic) into autism a handful of days after their vaccination, its (sic) insulting to suggest to them that studies say murcury (sic), ALUMIUM (sic), FORMALDEHYDE, and other vaccination toxins are harmles (sic). Empirical evidence matters!!
Yes, Carolyn, empirical evidence matters. What evidence do you have that 1 mic of formaldehyde is harmful, given that a banana contains 35 mics? Formaldehyde is a natural bi-product of single carbon metabolism found in every mammal on the planet. A 10-lb. infant has 2.5 mics in her blood.
If empirical evidence matters, then why does Jenny keep telling her angry mob that vaccines contain anti-freeze and ether, when they don’t?
If Jenny means well, why is she whipping up an angry mob with demonstrable lies?
I definitely stand with MCCarthy on the vaccine thing. However, I really wish us no name parents would get drs and school professionals to listen. I feel helpless as my daughter is not allowed to go to kindergarten unless I consent to the vaccines. I wish someone like McCarthy would help us small towns!!!!!! I know the shots with make my daughter worse off than she is — I saw them do it to my son! IS there any help?????!!!!!!
I think Jenny is great! What’s wrong with wanting safer vaccines, if there is such a thing; the removal of aluminum, mercury and other toxins? Better to be safe than sorry.
I’ve done research on both vaccines and autism. If the general public knew what was in vaccines, how they are manufactured, the types of reactions these brews cause and how deadly vaccine reactions can be, very few parents would willingly volunteer to ever vaccinate their children. Cases in point VAERS #134548. The pt deteriorated rapidly and died…..An autospsy was perfomed, but the brain was liquified.
And by the way, the truth about the smallpox vaccine is simply that more people died worldwide due to the smallpox vaccine than ever died from smallpox. Shush, don’t tell Big Pharma. Ignorance is bliss!
Cookie~ you posted this before and your Cases in point really doesn’t prove anything. Here’s my some response: Case no. 134548 as a example really doesn’t prove anything about vaccines, but more so this child’s immune system that over reacted to a common infection. If this child came into contact to the actual measles, West Nile or any other viruses and bacteria’s, they’d probably had ended up with Encephalitis. It’s pretty hard I suppose to come up with some test for this, for exposure to some things would be dangerous to these people. But really, that’s what needs to be done, a test for immune issues and reactions prior to vaccines however, this would do nothing if the person is exposed via the public.
PARENTOF2DISABLEDKIDS~ consider a waiver if your state allows it, which will allow your child into public schools w/o vaccinating.
Most states offer this waiver choice, more parents should use it and maybe Ms. McCarthy could spend more time educated parents that there is a choice.
I think it would make for a great topic/ resourse, list the states and what each has for vaccine waivers and how to obtain them.
Take a look at what happened.
Amanda Peet made an apology for her comment.
Months later, when Jenny McCarthy is hungry for publicity, Jenny responds with an acid tongue.
Where’s the battle? Amanda Peet isn’t stooping to McCarthy’s level.
Consider the flip side: Jenny McCarthy wigs out over being actually interviewed on “The View” by Barbara Walters. Jenny then tells her “angry mob” where Barbara Walters can “stick her microphone”.
The apology? none.
Instead Jenny McCarthy decides to pretend she can read Barabara Walters’ mind on why Walters dared to ask questions and then, in an attempt to out bizarre David Lynch, Jenny McCarthy accepts Barbara Walters’ nonexistent apology!!!
Uh. Yeah.
What a freakin’ embarrassment to the autism community.
you can delete this comment–but I believe the name is “Peet”, not “Peets”.
Parents, you must educate yourself on what’s safe for your child. I have a typical and autistic child. Read, read, read and make your own decision.
…more people died worldwide due to the smallpox vaccine than ever died from smallpox.
This is the problem with parents who claim they did their research. How does Cookie define “research”? No credible source would ever hold that smallpox vaccine is more dangerous than the disease.
The US military vaccinated 430,000 soldiers in the aftermath of 9/11. There were 38 serious adverse reactions, and all recovered fully. That is supported by published research, which is more than anyone can say about Cookie’s fabrication.
Amanda’s last name is Peet, not Peets.
Concerning smallpox, statements as such, some will believe that without knowing the facts. One fact is small pox has been around, taking lives for eons. We’re talking 1500’s, so it is totally inaccurate to say more have died from the vaccine than the disease itself. Impossible. It is also the only disease totally removed in the USA due to vaccines. Without the use of vaccines, those of us who weren’t around way back when to remember any of this would be living it today. In 1967 1 or 2 people in 1 million will died from the vaccine itself, but those odds probably are for any vaccine. In 1967 two million died in that year of smallpox.
Other countries threaten bio warfare using the smallpox virus. Why? Because it’s deadly. Smallpox is serious business. Besides all said above, within the child vaccine schedule, smallpox isn’t included and I bet if there was a poll, few would of had the vaccine less you were in the military but then again like many things, you’d probably need a booster. If the virus is ever released as bio warfare, the fear and misleading inaccurate infor passed along about vaccines will result is mass deaths.
Actually Jenny McCarthy said that she isn’t against vaccines but that some children may be more sensitive to the vaccines thus leading to autism. She specifically said that she isn’t against them (Oprah and Ellen show). I was one of the folks who wrote to Cookie magazine complaining about Amanda Peet’s comment on calling non-vaccinating parents “parasites”. I was offended greatly…even though my young son with autism is current with his vaccinations. I believe it is up to the parents to decide. It is tough enough raising a child with special needs. My hubby and I are constantly making decisions that affect my child’s present and future!!!
Being more sensitive to vaccines would then lead one to wonder why, genetically that is.
Amanda Peet made that comment in July, any ever read her appology? It’s also a wonder why, after there was an apology, that Ms. McCarthy goes after Peet’s again so long after? Maybe it has to do with that ‘angry mob’ she spoke about? Or is it just media attention?
As a parent of a 5-yr old daughter with PDD-NOS, I enjoy the fact that Jenny McCarthy is bringing attention to the cause. My biggest issue with her is that she keeps saying her son is “cured” which, in my opinion, gives the impression to the those out there who are less familiar with autism that some therapy and diet restrictions will “cure” our children. Last time I checked you don’t “cure” autism, you treat it. There is no magic bullet and just as autism itself is a spectrum disorder, the treatment for every child has a spectrum of choices in what will help our children. I just wish she wouldn’t use the word “Cure.” It makes others think that there is a magic pill to make it go away and we aren’t there. Yet. We can’t cure something that has no definitive cause or agreeable source to which it occurs and gives us autism. But I think she has a valid point in her viewpoint that vaccines seem to be a link for many children.
If Jenny McCarthy is not anti vaccine, then why does she continue to make baseless and disparaging comments about them?
My son would sleep for hours after each shot and was lethargic,a friend of mine, her son ended up with blood poisoning after his MMR shot and on antibiotics, both are autistic. I immunized my second child and delayed all her shots, if immunizations weren’t such an issue why is it they are so strict not to immunize not even a day before 2,4,6,12 months if this has no effect on our children. Jenny is correct in saying we are an “angry mob” once the damage is done nobody cares enough to support these kids adequately, especially in Australia where support in educating our children is ridiculous and not enough experienced teaching staff and therapists are available and people are soooo naive about Autism.
Parents of children with disabilities, especially autism need to take the time to read, read, read and take the necessary steps to teach and help your own child. Forget about famous people, forget the doctors, forget the schools, forget what anyone says. The truth is they know nothing, beacause if they did we would not all be on different sides of the fence. Autism has been around for years, many people all around the world have autism, it is not just a u.s of u.k issue. And vaccines did not cause their autism. Autism is neurological as are many other diseases eg. Huntingtons’ that is genetic and affects mostly adults. Our bodies are wonderfully made and can heal itself. There is a positive outcome for autism, and there are many positive outcomes for your child. You just have to seek and you shall find. And remember what works for one does not work for all. Do not limit yourself or your child, the possibilites are endless.
Not sure what is meant “strict not to immunize not even a day before 2,4,6,12″
This may occur but it probbaly isn’t the rule. Not sure who all has stories of this strictness, maybe it was just the doctor but my child vaccines were not that ’strict’ other than when concerning when boosters would be needed. And even if it was, that in itself means nothing.
I agree with Joan. Autism has been around for a very long time, butonly until you had a child with it did one probbaly pay attention. I certainly didn’t,
The word “autism” was coined about 1912, IIRC.