Experts Slam Trump’s “Baseless” Claim Linking Paracetamol to Autism in Unborn Babies
- Pregnant women warned not to stop taking paracetamol due to “completely exaggerated reading of science”
- Australian government and medical experts reject US administration’s claims, citing lack of evidence
- Experts say paracetamol is safe to use during pregnancy, but women should consult their doctor and take the lowest effective dose
The US Trump administration’s shock announcement claiming a link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism in children has been vehemently rejected by Australian medical experts and the government. The controversial statement, made by President Donald Trump, has sparked widespread concern and outrage, with many calling it a “baseless” and “completely exaggerated reading of science.”
Despite the US administration’s claims, experts are urging pregnant women not to stop taking paracetamol, citing a lack of conclusive evidence to support the link. “There is categorically no evidence in humans that taking paragetamol during pregnancy is causal of the offspring developing autism,” said Professor Andrew Whitehouse, Deputy Director of The Kids Research Institute Australia.
In Australia, paracetamol is considered a category A medication during pregnancy, which means it’s been taken by a large number of pregnant women without any proven increase in any direct or indirect harmful effects on their babies. Dr Elisha Broom, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), reassured women that paracetamol is safe to use during pregnancy, but they should consult their doctor and take the lowest effective dose.
The Australian government has also spoken out against the US administration’s claims, with Health Minister Mark Butler seeking “quick advice” on the matter. The national medical regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has firmly dismissed the suggestions, stating that “Australia’s Chief Medical Officer and the TGA join with other global medicines regulators, leading clinicians and scientists worldwide in rejecting claims regarding the use of paracetamol in pregnancy, and the subsequent risk of development of ADHD or autism in children.”
Disability advocate Clare Gibellini, who lives with autism, expressed her anger and frustration at the announcement, saying it felt “like we’re being scapegoated” and that it would take a lot of work to undo the harm caused. “I really want to see some of our medical experts come out really, really strongly and our Australian government come out really, really strongly in support of the community and in refuting these claims,” she said.
As the controversy continues to unfold, one thing is clear: pregnant women should not stop taking paracetamol due to unfounded fears. Instead, they should consult their doctor and follow their advice to ensure the health and safety of both themselves and their unborn babies.