UK Government Minister Dismisses Trump’s Paracetamol-Autism Link Claim
A UK government minister has refuted Donald Trump’s unproven assertion linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism. The US President suggested a potential connection between Tylenol (paracetamol in the UK) and the rising autism cases, without presenting any supporting evidence. Trump also expressed concerns about vaccines, which were deemed baseless by UK experts who criticized the administration for spreading fear.
Labour minister Matthew Pennycook emphasized the importance of evidence-based policy decisions, stating that any alleged link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism remains unproven. He urged reliance on scientific guidance, including NHS recommendations on paracetamol usage.
In the UK, the NHS advises that paracetamol is safe for pregnant women and does not harm the baby. Experts condemned Trump’s comments, citing studies that disprove any causal relationship between paracetamol exposure in utero and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. Dr. Monique Botha highlighted a Swedish study involving 2.4 million births that found no such correlation.
Professor Claire Anderson from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society affirmed the safety of paracetamol, emphasizing its long-standing use during pregnancy without adverse effects. A comprehensive 2024 study also failed to establish a link between paracetamol consumption in pregnancy and an increased autism risk in children.
Experts cautioned against fearmongering, stressing the necessity of appropriate pain relief options for pregnant women. They warned that baseless claims could hinder access to essential care during pregnancy and perpetuate stigmatization of families with autistic children. The consensus among professionals is that paracetamol is a safe and effective pain relief choice for pregnant women, debunking Trump’s unsupported assertions.