Medical world stirred as Trump calls paracetamol unsafe for pregnant women
Washington (The Uttam Hindu): US President Donald Trump has made a claim about the popular painkiller "paracetamol," sparking a new debate in the medical community. Trump warned at a press conference that taking paracetamol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy could increase the risk of autism in the child.
Addressing a press conference at the White House, Trump said, "I think we have found the answer to autism. Acetaminophen use by women during pregnancy increases the risk of autism in their child." He warned pregnant women to use the drug only when absolutely necessary.
Trump also announced that he wants the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to add a clear warning to acetaminophen labels for pregnant women. This claim is believed to be driven by the influence of health activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long campaigned to link drugs and environmental factors to autism.
Paracetamol is known as acetaminophen in the US and sold under brand names such as Tylenol. For decades, it has been considered one of the safest pain relievers during pregnancy including India.
However, many experts have questioned Trump's statement. They believe that this claim is exaggerated and that more in-depth research is needed to substantiate it. Experts say that before drawing any conclusions, it is important to determine whether environmental factors actually play a role in autism.
It's worth noting that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also linked vaccines to autism, although his views have been repeatedly debunked by the scientific community. Following Trump's pressure, it remains to be seen what action the FDA takes on this matter.