Donald Trump’s administration is preparing to suggest that using paracetamol while pregnant could increase the risk of autism. This announcement has sparked concerns among experts in the UK. One expert warned that linking paracetamol to autism could unfairly stigmatize families with autistic children.
According to reports, US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr is expected to claim that Tylenol, known as paracetamol in the UK, might be a potential trigger for autism. Additionally, a federal report is anticipated to recommend a specific form of folate as a treatment for autism.
In contrast, the NHS website in the UK advises that paracetamol is safe for pregnant women to use as a pain reliever. Dr. Monique Botha, an associate professor at Durham University, highlighted a Swedish study involving 2.4 million births which found no connection between paracetamol exposure during pregnancy and autism or other developmental issues.
Dr. Botha emphasized that there is insufficient evidence to support a causal relationship between paracetamol and autism. She stressed the importance of providing safe pain relief options for pregnant women and cautioned against fearmongering that could deter women from seeking proper care during pregnancy.
Professor Dimitrios Siassakos from University College London explained that autism is influenced by various factors, including genetic predisposition and birth complications. He noted that any perceived link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism tends to disappear when considering other significant factors.
Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, reassured the public that paracetamol is a safe and widely used medication, including during pregnancy. She referenced a large 2024 study involving over 2.4 million children that found no evidence linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to an increased risk of autism.
Overall, experts are cautioning against unfounded claims linking paracetamol to autism and are advocating for evidence-based approaches to ensure the safety and well-being of pregnant women and their children.