A UK government minister has dismissed Donald Trump’s unsupported assertion of a connection between the use of paracetamol during pregnancy and autism. The US President claimed a surge in autism cases and implied that Tylenol, known as paracetamol in the UK, could be a contributing factor. However, he provided no evidence to support his claims and advised against using the drug throughout pregnancy, also expressing unfounded worries about vaccines.
UK experts criticized the Trump administration for spreading fear and cited studies refuting the President’s unfounded allegations. Labour minister Matthew Pennycook emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making, stating that any supposed link between paracetamol and autism remains unproven. He urged following scientific guidance, including the NHS advice on paracetamol usage.
According to the NHS website in the UK, paracetamol is considered safe for pregnant women and is commonly recommended for pain relief during pregnancy without harming the baby.
Meanwhile, experts rebuked the US President’s remarks. Dr. Monique Botha, an associate professor at Durham University, pointed to various studies disproving any connection between paracetamol exposure during pregnancy and conditions like autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. She emphasized the lack of concrete evidence supporting such claims, asserting that paracetamol is a safe pain relief option for pregnant women.
Professor Claire Anderson of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society echoed the sentiment, noting the long-standing safe use of paracetamol during pregnancy. She cited a substantial study from 2024 that found no association between paracetamol use in pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children.
The experts cautioned against fear-mongering, stating that baseless claims could deter pregnant women from seeking appropriate care and perpetuate unwarranted blame on families with autistic children. They emphasized the importance of accurate information and support for pregnant women’s pain management needs.