LONDON/GENEVA, Sept 23 (Reuters) - In a significant development, European Union and British health agencies have confirmed the safety of paracetamol, also known as Tylenol in the United States, during pregnancy. This statement comes in response to recent claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested a link between the popular pain medication and autism. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also weighed in, stating that evidence connecting paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism remains inconsistent, urging caution in making such assertions.
During a press conference on Monday, President Trump controversially linked autism to both childhood vaccines and the use of Tylenol by pregnant women. These statements have brought unverified claims into the spotlight of U.S. health policy, raising concerns among health professionals. In contrast, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) affirmed that there is no new evidence necessitating changes to current recommendations regarding paracetamol use during pregnancy. They emphasized that available research has found no credible link between paracetamol and autism.
The EMA stated that paracetamol could be safely used during pregnancy when required, recommending that it should be taken at the lowest effective dose and frequency. This guidance aligns with the position of Britain's health regulator, which also affirmed the safety of paracetamol for pregnant women. Health authorities continue to support the use of acetaminophen for managing pain, highlighting its importance in maintaining the well-being of expectant mothers.
During a Geneva press briefing, WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević addressed the potential link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism. He referenced various studies that have suggested a possible connection but noted that these findings have not been confirmed by further research. “This lack of replicability really calls for caution in drawing causal conclusions,” Jašarević stated, reinforcing the need for rigorous scientific scrutiny.
Trump’s assertions contradict the consensus of numerous medical societies, which have emphasized the safety of vaccines and the use of paracetamol during pregnancy. Jašarević further clarified that vaccines do not cause autism, underscoring their essential role in public health. “This is something that science has proven, and these things should not be really questioned,” he added, reiterating the importance of relying on scientific evidence when discussing health matters.
In summary, both European and British health agencies maintain that paracetamol is safe for use during pregnancy, countering unsupported claims made by President Trump. As the debate continues, health professionals urge the public to consult credible sources and adhere to established medical guidelines.
