The Global Story The disgraced UK doctor behind autism misinformation
Sep 26, 2025
Adam Rutherford, a science journalist and author specializing in genetics and misinformation, delves into the notorious Wakefield controversy. He unpacks the 1998 Lancet paper that falsely linked MMR vaccines to autism and the resulting media frenzy. Rutherford highlights how Wakefield's claims became a medical disaster, fueled by public fear and celebrity endorsements. He also examines Wakefield's move to the U.S. and his influence on current vaccine denialism, emphasizing the long-lasting damage this misinformation continues to inflict.
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No Evidence Vaccines Cause Autism
- Decades of research show no link between childhood vaccines and autism.
- Adam Rutherford states this with absolute confidence based on clinical trial evidence.
The Lancet Paper That Sparked Panic
- Andrew Wakefield published a small 1998 Lancet paper linking gut problems to the MMR vaccine.
- He then used a press conference to claim the triple vaccine caused autism, which surprised co-authors.
Why Wakefield's Claim Spread
- Rising autism diagnoses and anxious parents created fertile ground for Wakefield's claims.
- The timing of diagnoses coincided with routine vaccines, making causal claims seem plausible to families.