A UK government minister has dismissed Donald Trump’s unverified assertion of a connection between the use of paracetamol during pregnancy and autism. The US President suggested a potential link between Tylenol, known as paracetamol in the UK, and autism without presenting any supporting evidence. He recommended avoiding its use “throughout pregnancy” and also expressed baseless concerns regarding vaccines.
UK experts criticized the Trump administration for spreading fear and cited studies refuting the President’s unfounded claims. Labour minister Matthew Pennycook emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making and the lack of proof for any such association at present. He advocated for relying on scientific guidance, including information available on the NHS website about paracetamol usage.
In the UK, the NHS advises that paracetamol is a safe pain relief option for pregnant women and does not pose harm to the baby. On the other hand, specialists condemned the remarks made by the US President. Dr. Monique Botha, an associate professor, highlighted various studies, including a significant Swedish study from 2024, which found no link between paracetamol exposure in the womb and conditions like autism and ADHD.
Dr. Botha emphasized the absence of substantial evidence supporting a causal relationship between paracetamol and autism, stressing the importance of adequate pain relief options for pregnant women. The experts raised concerns about the potential harm caused by fearmongering and the societal implications of blaming mothers for autism. Professor Claire Anderson of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society reiterated the safety of paracetamol, emphasizing its long-standing use without evidence of increased autism risk in children.
At Reach and its affiliated entities, user data is utilized to enhance site experience, analyze usage patterns, and deliver personalized advertisements in compliance with privacy regulations and cookie policies. Users have the option to opt out of data sharing and sales by selecting the appropriate preferences on the website.