US President Donald Trump faces backlash from health experts after suggesting a link between the painkiller Tylenol (paracetamol) and autism, claiming that doctors should advise against its use for pregnant women. This statement was condemned as “unsettling” and “irresponsible” by organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the UK’s National Autism Society.
During a press conference with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Trump cited rising autism rates in the US, claiming they increased dramatically from “one in 10,000” to “one in 31.” While the latter figure is accurate for 2022 data from the CDC, experts argue that the rise in diagnoses is largely due to improved recognition and diagnostic criteria rather than an actual increase in cases.
Trump also raised concerns about the combined MMR vaccine, suggesting it should be taken separately, a notion rejected by experts who warned this could lead to outbreaks of diseases like measles. The original claim linking vaccines to autism has been debunked, with multiple studies finding no evidence of such a connection.
Additionally, Trump mentioned low autism rates among the Amish community, attributing this to their lower Tylenol use, but experts pointed out the lack of comprehensive studies and caution against assuming diagnoses are accurately represented in this group.
Overall, Trump’s assertions have been labeled as anti-science and lacking reliable data, igniting fears about the potential consequences for vaccination and public health.
