This is one horse they will never get back in the barn. The methods and motives of the doctor who conducted the research allegedly connecting Autism to the MMR vaccine have been publically questioned by The Lancet. The British Medical Journal published the research in 1998, and on January 28th, 2010, issued a formal retraction of that research.

Here's a link to a story at ABC News/Health. I personally do not believe in this particular study's results and I have chosen to have my children vaccinated. But I also have one child with ASD. When I was given the choice of H1N1 vaccine with or without preservative, I selected preservative free without hesitation. It's natural to doubt, the what-ifs are difficult to face, and I don't blame people for erring on the cautious side when it comes to their children's well-being. It won't matter if the researching doctor is found guilty of professional misconduct. It won't matter if he gives a full confession that he slanted the research for monetary gain. The seed of doubt has been planted and grown strong roots.