Original sentence: Critics countercharge that proponents simply hide behind what is unknown, rather than acknowleging commonsense evidence and a limited set of underfunded studies pointing to a causal relationsip to neurodevelopmental disorders.The connection is hotly disputed, especially by pharmaceutical companies who potentially may be liable for billions of dollars for alleged damages.The controversy over thimerosal deals with its possible connection in causing birth defects, notably autism, in children of women who have taken the drug.Thimerosol proponents suggest that critics of thimerosal belong to a long history of resistance towared vaccination programs in general, dating back to the mid 19th century.Vaccine manufacturer defenders assert that the mounting legal claims are excessive, or that the alleged damages are insignificant relative to the cost saving benefits of multi-dose packagaing —greatly enhancing the shelf-life of important pharmaceudicals
Edited sentence: Critics countercharge that proponents simply hide behind what is not known, rather than accept circumstantial evidence that points to a causal relationsip to health problems.The connection is disputed, and advocates claim that claims are excessive, or that they are disporportional relative to the preserving benefits of the drug —greatly enhancing the shelf-life of important pharmaceudicals.The controversy over thimerosal deals with its claimed connection in causing birth defects, notably autism, in children of women who have taken the drug.Thimerosol proponents claim that its critics belong to a long history of resistance towared vaccination programs in general, dating back to the mid 19th century