(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday linked autism to childhood vaccines and the use of popular pain medication Tylenol by women when pregnant, elevating claims not backed by scientific evidence to the forefront of U.S. health policy.
The popular over-the-counter medication for pain and fever is also known generically as paracetamol in certain geographies.
The following are comments from international health agencies and health ministers confirming the safety of paracetamol during pregnancy.
WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION SPOKESPERSON TARIK JAŠAREVIĆ
“We know that vaccines do not cause autism. Vaccines, as I said, save countless lives. So this is something that science has proven, and these things should not be really questioned,” WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević.
EUROPEAN MEDICINES AGENCY
“Available evidence has found no link between the use of paracetamol during pregnancy and autism,” the EMA said in a statement, adding paracetamol could be used during pregnancy when needed, though at the lowest effective dose and frequency.
ALISON CAVE, CHIEF SAFETY OFFICER, UK’S MEDICINES AND HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS REGULATORY AGENCY
“Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy.”
ITALIAN MEDICINES AGENCY
The agency said in a statement that in light of the latest scientific assessments carried out at European level, there is no new evidence requiring changes to the current recommendations on the use of paracetamol during pregnancy.
“Paracetamol (acetaminophen), widely used for the treatment of fever and pain, can be used during pregnancy if clinically necessary. The available data show no association with an increased risk of autism or malformations in the fetus or newborn.”
SPAIN’S HEALTH MINISTER MONICA GARCIA ON SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM X
“To equate paracetamol with autism now is serious and irresponsible and there is very little rationality in Donald Trump’s messaging and very little awareness of the impact it has on people’s health.”
“Furthermore, this alarms pregnant women who have one of the safest painkillers, paracetamol, in their therapeutic arsenal.”
GERMAN HEALTH MINISTRY
“There is no scientific evidence of a link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and developmental disorders such as ADHD or autism spectrum disorders.”
“In particular, there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. However, in certain medical situations, taking medication is necessary to avoid endangering the mother and the unborn child, for example in cases of high fever.”
SPANISH AGENCY FOR MEDICINES AND HEALTH PRODUCTS (AEMPS)
“There is no evidence linking the use of paracetamol during pregnancy with autism in children.”
“In this context, the AEMPS recommends continuing to use paracetamol in pregnant women when clinically indicated, always applying prudent use measures”
(Reporting by Sneha S K in Bengaluru, Andreas Rinke in Berlin; Editing by Anil D’Silva)
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