Goddess: celebrity moms

• Amanda Peet Issues Apology

  posted by brenda - Thu, Jul 17, 2008, 5:09 pm PDT

  celebs: Amanda Peet
  topics: Kids

  Amanda Peet says her use of the term "parasites" was "mean and divisive." Matthew Hranek/Cookie On Tuesday, Goddess posted an excerpt from Cookie magazine's interview with actress Amanda Peet, which focused on childhood vaccinations. One statement that the actress made created quite a stir among readers. As a result, Amanda felt the need to respond:
  
  Dear Concerned Parents and Friends,
  
  I wanted to address my comment in Cookie magazine that "parents who don't vaccinate their children are parasites." I believe in my heart that my use of the word "parasites" was mean and divisive; I completely understand why it offended some parents, and in particular, parents of children with autism who feel that vaccines caused their illness. For this I am truly sorry. Since my mom has Parkinson's Disease, I know what it feels like to want a concrete cause, and a concrete cure, as soon as possible.
  
  However, I still believe that the decision not to vaccinate our children bodes for a dangerous future. Vast reductions in immunization will lead to a resurgence of deadly viruses. This is as indisputable as global warming. I know a lot of parents who secretly use as a justification, "Well, enough people are vaccinating, so therefore, we don't have to."
  
  In this era of cynicism, it's hard to believe that any corporation, medical or otherwise, has our best interests at heart. But it's irresponsible to suggest that virtually the entire medical community, and the CDC, and the American Academy of Pediatrics are behind a massive cover-up about vaccine safety. 14 studies have been conducted (both here in the US and abroad), and these tests are reproducible; no matter where they are administered, or who is funding them, the conclusion is the same: there is no association between autism and vaccines....
  
  Read the rest of Amanda's heartfelt letter at Cookiemag.com.