Acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol or paracetamol, is a widely used painkiller that should be taken under medical supervision. However, US President Donald Trump has announced plans advising against its prescription for pregnant women, citing an alleged link to autism. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly moving to alter the medication’s safety label and initiate a public awareness campaign. While some scientists have dismissed the connection between acetaminophen and autism, others stress the importance of factors like genetics and environmental exposure, arguing against attributing autism to a single cause.
Critics worry that Trump’s approach, which leverages public concerns about rising autism rates, may distract from more pressing issues related to the disorder. This is part of a trend undermining American scientific credibility, as highlighted by recent leadership changes at the CDC and significant budget cuts that affect critical research, including studies on vaccines and HIV. Public health experts fear that the mixed messages surrounding acetaminophen could lead to confusion, particularly affecting the treatment of high fevers in pregnant women. Ultimately, Trump and Kennedy portray their actions as a health initiative, but many believe they are making global health efforts more precarious.
