With the anti-vax movement gaining momentum, critics and defenders alike have emerged in droves. The latest supporter? Former Hills star Kristin Cavallari, who has expressed a belief that vaccinating young children leads to autism.
Cavallari appeared on the Fox Business show The Independents on Thursday, taking the controversial anti-vaccination stance when discussing fellow entertainment personality Jenny McCarthy, herself a firm anti-vax activist. "You know what, I've read too many books about autism," said Cavallari. "There is a pediatric group called Homestead or, shoot, Homestead or Home First -- now I have pregnancy brain, I got them confused -- but they've never vaccinated any of their children and they've never had one case of autism. And now, one in 88 boys is autistic, which is a really scary statistic." She was greeted by skepticism from host Lisa Kennedy Montgomery, who pointed to generations of vaccinated children who did not develop any disorders on the autism spectrum.
On Friday morning, Cavallari defended her position on Fox & Friends, citing the public backlash against her beliefs as 'harsh.' "It is a harsh response," she said. You know, it's not something that I publicly wanted to come out and say. I was in an interview and it came up, and it wasn't what I was expecting. But, you know, listen, to each their own. I understand both sides of it. I've read too many books about autism and there's some scary statistics out there. It's our personal choice, you know, and if you're really concerned about your kid, then get them vaccinated and it shouldn't be a problem."
Cavallari's seemingly contradictory attitude belies the gravity of the situation, with the anti-vax trend thought to contribute to the re-emergence of certain diseases in cities where they've long been dormant, such as measles in New York City. Unvaccinated children can even spread illnesses to vaccinated children, creating a larger public health issue. Esteemed medical bodies such as the American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics are quick to dismiss the possibility of vaccines causing autism, with both bodies recommending that all children receive inoculations.
Cavallari and her husband, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, are parents to 18-month-old Camden, with a second child on the way.
