Vaccines don't cause autism, U.S. asserts

LOS ANGELES - The government's "vaccines court" ruled yesterday in three test cases that the mercury-containing preservative thimerosal does not cause autism, a finding that backs the broad scientific consensus on the matter. It is likely to disappoint parents who believe their child's condition was caused by vaccines.

The court had ruled 13 months ago that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine, commonly known as MMR, does not cause the disorder, and the new ruling finally may close the bulk of litigation on the matter. More than 5,000 parents had filed claims with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims seeking damages because they believed their children had developed autism as a result of vaccinations.

The cases that three special masters for the court chose to include in the omnibus proceeding were considered among the strongest, so the outlook appears grim for others making the same claim.