Trump Urges Pregnant Women to Avoid Tylenol Over Unproven Autism Link
In a move that has sparked widespread concern, US President Donald Trump on Monday advised pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol due to an unproven link to autism. The announcement was made in the Oval Office alongside Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr., who will soon advise doctors not to prescribe the pain reliever to pregnant women.
According to Trump, taking paracetamol, the main ingredient in Tylenol, "is no good" for pregnant women and should only be taken in cases of extreme fever. This warning comes despite inconsistent studies showing a link between pregnant women taking Tylenol and autism. The US president's statement has been met with skepticism by doctors and scientists, who argue that the evidence is not conclusive.
The FDA plans to add a label to paracetamol warning of an increased risk of autism and ADHD in children. However, the manufacturer of Tylenol disputes this claim, stating that independent science shows no correlation between acetaminophen and autism. "We understand that some studies have suggested a possible link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism," said a spokesperson for Johnson & Johnson, the company that produces Tylenol. "However, we believe that these findings are not conclusive and more research is needed to determine any potential risks."
Dr. Laura Schieve, an epidemiologist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), expressed concern about the president's warning. "While it's true that some studies have suggested a possible link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism, we need more research to confirm these findings," she said. "Pregnant women should not be alarmed by this announcement and should consult with their healthcare provider before making any decisions about pain relief."
The controversy surrounding Tylenol's safety has been ongoing for several years. In 2019, a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that pregnant women who took paracetamol during pregnancy were more likely to have children with autism. However, other studies have found no such link.
According to Trump, the decision to advise pregnant women against taking Tylenol was based on "inconsistent" studies showing a link between paracetamol use and autism. However, experts argue that the evidence is not conclusive and more research is needed to determine any potential risks.
The FDA has announced plans to review the safety of paracetamol during pregnancy and will add a label warning of an increased risk of autism and ADHD in children. Pregnant women who are concerned about taking Tylenol should consult with their healthcare provider before making any decisions about pain relief.
In conclusion, while Trump's warning has sparked concern among pregnant women, experts argue that the evidence is not conclusive and more research is needed to determine any potential risks. As the FDA reviews the safety of paracetamol during pregnancy, pregnant women are advised to consult with their healthcare provider before making any decisions about pain relief.
Sources:
BBC World: "Trump urges pregnant women to avoid Tylenol over unproven autism link"
Al Jazeera: "Trump urges pregnant women to avoid Tylenol over unproven autism risk"
Johnson & Johnson spokesperson (Tylenol manufacturer)
This story was compiled from reports by BBC World, Al Jazeera and BBC World.
