If the court side with the family, they could receive compensation from the government fund set up for people hurt by the shots to protect the program.
Theresa and Michael Cedillo said their 12-year-old daughter Michelle did not show symptoms of autism until after she received the vaccine. They believe that a preservative called Thimerosal, which is about 50 percent mercury, impaired Michelle's immune system and allows the measles virus to attack her body when she was 15 months old.
This case could set precedence for the more than 4,800 families who have filed similar claims since 1999. Most of them also claim that Thimerosal is responsible for their children's disorder.
However, the defense contends that large scientific studies have not been able to establish a link between the vaccines and autism.
Government attorney Vincent Matanoski said, "You'll find their hypotheses untested or, when tested, have been found false."
However, the court is being asked to decide whether or not a link is possible, not whether one actually exists. This makes the burden of proof easier on the plaintiffs.
In 1999 the government asked that the use of mercury in vaccines be as limited as possible to prevent the possibility of poisoning. Common symptoms of mercury poisoning include anxiety, fatigue abnormal irritation, and cognitive and motor dysfunction.
The case presented Monday contends that vaccines for mumps, measles, and rubella combined with vaccines that contain Thimerosal causes autism.
Theresa Cedillo takes care of Michelle full time. She said, "We hope to find out what happened and hopefully get the help she needs."
