Actress Jenny McCarthy has claimed that her son, Evan Joseph Asher, experienced a cardiac arrest and lost his ability to speak after receiving the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. McCarthy, 53, shared details of her son's health journey during a recent appearance on the Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey podcast.
McCarthy stated that Evan, who was diagnosed with autism around age three, experienced a sudden developmental regression shortly after his vaccination. She alleged that he had a seizure and went into cardiac arrest following the shot, requiring resuscitation efforts. According to McCarthy, her son stopped breathing and turned blue, and paramedics had to perform CPR. She further stated that he lost his breathing again en route to the hospital.
Three weeks later, Evan reportedly had a second seizure, which led to a medically-induced coma for several days. McCarthy described this period as the lowest point of her life and expressed her devastation at not knowing how to help her son.
Following these events, McCarthy claimed Evan "lost all of his language." She recalled being told by medical professionals that he might be institutionalized, never speak, struggle to make friends, or hold a job. McCarthy stated that Evan was diagnosed with epilepsy after the seizures and later with autism. She also noted that he began exhibiting other health issues, including dark circles under his eyes, a bloated stomach, gas, constipation, and eczema, which she now identifies as comorbid conditions associated with autism.
McCarthy has previously suggested that a combination of vaccines, rather than a single one, may have triggered autism in children with underlying autoimmune disorders. She mentioned finding a nonprofit organization that advocated for the link between vaccines and autism, which she said guided her toward a "pathway of healing."
Evan, now 24, is active on social media, describing himself as a YouTuber, writer, director, actor, and video editor. His YouTube channel features content focused on gaming and comedy, and he has also released music.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there is no scientific evidence linking the MMR vaccine to autism. However, the CDC does acknowledge a very small risk of febrile seizures associated with the MMR vaccine.