Generation Rescue is a nonprofit organization that advocates the view that autism and related disorders are primarily caused by environmental factors,[1]. The organization was established in 2005 by Lisa and J.B. Handley. They have gained attention through use of a media campaign, including full page ads in the New York Times and USA Today.[2] Today, Generation Rescue is known as a platform for Jenny McCarthy's autism and anti-vaccine advocacy.[3]
Media campaign
Between spring of 2005 and January 2007, Generation Rescue began a national media campaign in the US, placing advertisements in such publications as USA Today.[2] More recently it has been lead by Jenny McCarthy, an author, television personality and former Playboy model.[3]
Causes of autism
Generation Rescue has proposed a number of possible causes for developmental-related issues, such as vaccines, the increase in the number of vaccines administered,[4] and thiomersal, a mercury-based vaccine preservative.[5]
However, as its point of view has been disputed by some of the medical community, its message has been controversial.[6] and the organization has been described as anti-vaccine.[7][8]
Criticisms
Conferences
Generation Rescue has previously co-sponsored an annual conference in Chicago along with another charity, Autism One.[9] The choice of speakers at these conferences have led critics to accuse both organizations of promoting unproven therapies.[10][11][12]
See also
References
- ^ "Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey's autism organization – Generation Rescue". Retrieved 2009-05-08.
- ^ a b "USA Today Ad". Generation Rescue website. Archived from the original on April 14, 2008. Retrieved 9 October 2013.
- ^ a b Coombes R (2009). "Vaccine disputes" (PDF). BMJ. 338: b2435. doi:10.1136/bmj.b2435. PMID 19546136. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
- ^ "About vaccines". Generation Rescue. Archived from the original on May 4, 2007. Retrieved 2009-10-26. [dead link]
- ^ "Is it the mercury?". Generation Rescue. Retrieved 2009-10-26. [dead link]
- ^ Miller, Nick (2010-02-04). "Debunking the link between autism and vaccination". The Age. Melbourne.
- ^ "Anatomy of a Scare", Sharon Begley, Newsweek, February 21, 2009
- ^ "Swine Flu Shots Revive a Debate About Vaccines", Jennifer Steinhauer, New York Times, October 15, 2009
- ^ AutismOne / Generation Rescue Conference 2012, AutismOne.org, May 2012
- ^ http://leftbrainrightbrain.co.uk/2011/06/autismone-throws-their-support-behind-the-geiers-in-autism-science-digest/
- ^ Bleaching away what ails you, ScienceBasedMedicine.org, 28 May 2012
- ^ MMS, or how to cure autism with bleach. Brought to you by AutismOne, LeftBrainRightBrain.co.uk, 29 May 2012
External links
- GenerationRescue.org - Organisation's Website
- "The Vaccine War", PBS FRONTLINE documentary, April 27, 2010