Editing Andrew Wakefield (section)

{{Villain_Infobox
|Image = Andrew Wakefield.jpg
|fullname = Andrew Jeremy Wakefield
|occupation = Physician (formerly) <br> Activist
|origin = Eton, Berkshire, England
|hobby = Spreading lies about vaccines
|goals = Prove that vaccines cause autism (failing)
|skills= Propaganda <br> Medical training <br> Skilled physician
|crimes = [[Anti-vaxxers|Anti-vaxxer conspiracies]] <br> Disinformation <br> Abuse of power <br> [[Propaganda]] <br> Quackery <br> [[Ableism]]
|type of villain = Medical Propagandist
}}
'''Andrew Jeremy Wakefield''' (born September 3rd, 1956) is a disgraced doctor from England. Wakefield is perhaps most infamous for being one of the most prominent figures of the [[Anti-vaxxers|Anti-vaxxer]] conspiracy, where Wakefield falsely linked the MMR vaccine to autism. 

In 1998, Wakefield published a study in the medical journey ''The Lancet'' claiming that he had discovered a form of enterocolitis linked to autism, and that this was in turn caused by the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine. This study was instantly controversial and was challenged by many scientists who were unable to reproduce Wakefield's results.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8481583.stm Wakefield and autism: the story that will not go away], ''BBC News''</ref> Despite this, Wakefield continued to appear on high-profile news programs such as ''60 Minutes'' to call for the banning of the MMR vaccine worldwide.<ref>[http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jan/29/world/la-fg-britain-autism29-2010jan29 British doctor rebuked over research linking vaccine and autism], ''Los Angeles Times''</ref> However, it became increasingly clear that Wakefield had an ulterior motive for his actions. ''The Sunday Times'' reported in 2004 that Wakefield and several of the parents whose children had participated in his study had been paid thousands of pounds by a lawyer preparing a lawsuit against MMR manufactures, raising the possibility of a conflict of interest.<ref>[http://briandeer.com/mmr/lancet-deer-1.htm Revealed: MMR Research Scandal], ''The Sunday Times''</ref> Ten of the ''Lancet'' study's co-authors later retracted the study, stating that "in this paper no causal link was established between the vaccine and autism".<ref>[https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(04)15715-2/fulltext Retraction of an interpretation], ''The Lancet''</ref> In November 2004, Channel 4's ''Dispatches'' program broadcast an investigation by journalist Brian Deer which found that at the time of the MMR study Wakefield had been applying for a patent for an alternative to the MMR vaccine, raising further questions about his motives. Wakefield attempted to sue Channel 4 for bankruptcy but dropped his claim in 2006 and was ordered to pay Channel 4's legal costs.<ref>[http://briandeer.com/wakefield/lawsuit-discontinues.htm Wakefield drops libel claim over Channel 4 investigation, and agrees to pay costs]</ref>

Eventually, Wakefield was ruled guilty of professional misconduct by the General Medical Council in 2010 and barred from practicing medicine.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/jan/28/andrew-wakefield-mmr-vaccine Andrew Wakefield found 'irresponsible' by GMC over MMR vaccine scare], ''The Guardian''</ref> The GMC found that Wakefield had falsified research data in his study, had acted against the best interests of his patients and had mistreated developmentally delayed children.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8483865.stm MMR scare doctor 'acted unethically', panel finds], ''BBC News''</ref> Despite this, Wakefield still continues to spread his anti-vaxxer claims to this day, directing the 2016 documentary ''Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe'' claiming that global medical authorities covered up the link between MMR and autism.<ref>[http://www.indiewire.com/2016/04/vaxxed-from-cover-up-to-catastrophe-is-designed-to-trick-you-review-21896/ ‘Vaxxed: From Cover-Up to Catastrophe’ is Designed to Trick You (Review)], ''Indiewire''</ref> His impact on anti-vaccinations have spread a massive negative impact on the rest of society, with the most notable rise of prominence being in the 2020s during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several corrupt officials, most notably U.S. president [[Donald Trump]], have additionally supported Wakefield's claims that vaccines cause autism.<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/donald-trump-says-vaccinations-are-causing-autism-epidemic-10505087.html Donald Trump says vaccinations are causing an autism 'epidemic'], ''The Independent''</ref>