Trump Revives Controversy Over Health Debate
Donald Trump has once again placed healthcare at the heart of controversy. After years of asserting that vaccines may cause autism spectrum disorders in children and fetuses, he has now claimed from the White House that paracetamol could also be linked to autism if consumed by expectant mothers. This announcement was made on Monday during a press conference alongside his Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is openly anti-vaccine.
Paracetamol Warnings
The US President defended his stance, suggesting that acetaminophen (the active ingredient in paracetamol) may be associated with a significantly elevated risk of autism. He went on to recommend, on ten occasions, that pregnant women avoid taking Tylenol, the brand name under which it is marketed in the US, except in cases of high fever.
Increase in Autism Diagnoses
Trump stated that these recommendations stem from “common sense,” justifying his words by citing a 400% rise in autism diagnoses in the US over the past two decades. However, the press conference was primarily intended to announce over $50 million in funding for autism research projects and to proclaim the approval of Leucovorin, a drug used for certain cancers and anaemias that enhances folic acid, as the first recognised treatment for this neurodevelopmental disorder.
Lack of Scientific Basis
In response to Trump’s claims, Manuel Ángel Galván, President of the Pharmacy College of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, remarked to Atlántico Hoy, “Public figures must be cautious about what they say, and their statements should always be based on rigorous studies and scientific evidence.” Galván emphasised that credibility cannot be given to claims lacking serious backing: “We cannot rely on a single study that is not replicable to assert things like what he is saying.” He noted that it is randomised clinical trials and systematic reviews that provide genuinely reliable and robust evidence.
Safety of Paracetamol During Pregnancy
Regarding the safety of paracetamol for pregnant women, he insisted, “It is precisely one of the safest options for treating headaches in expectant mothers,” always within the recommended dosages and with a doctor’s prescription. He further warned against the dangers of following unfounded warnings: “Sometimes, not treating symptoms can have a more negative effect on the fetus and the stability required during pregnancy.”
Despite the statements coming from a sitting President of the United States, Galván remains confident that patients in Spain will be able to distinguish between misinformation and medical advice: “Patients in our country are intelligent enough to know that their doctor’s recommendations are much more accurate than those from someone lacking the necessary knowledge.”
