Nigel Farage faces criticism for his reluctance to comment on Donald Trump’s assertion linking paracetamol to autism, with accusations of lacking conviction. Farage cited the ever-evolving nature of science as his reason for not aligning with medical experts cautioning against such claims. Health Secretary Wes Streeting condemned Farage’s stance, labeling him as the “snake oil salesman of British politics.”
Trump’s statement in the Oval Office, connecting Tylenol (known as paracetamol in the UK) to autism, was met with swift backlash from experts and medical authorities due to the lack of evidence supporting the claim.
During an LBC interview, Farage evaded taking a definitive stance on Trump’s assertion, citing past instances like thalidomide to highlight uncertainties in medicine. When pressed on whether he would support medical experts advising against making such links, Farage emphasized his neutral stance on scientific matters, emphasizing the dynamic nature of scientific understanding.
Streeting condemned Farage’s indecisiveness, asserting that it reflects a lack of courage. He emphasized the importance of disregarding Trump’s claims, especially for pregnant women, as there is no substantial evidence linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism.
Medical professionals, including Dr. Steven Fleischman and Dr. Monique Botha, have discredited Trump’s claim, emphasizing the lack of scientific backing and the importance of evidence-based practices in healthcare. Dr. Botha highlighted the necessity of providing safe pain relief options for pregnant women and warned against fearmongering that could deter women from seeking proper care.