In a move that has alarmed medical professionals, former US President Donald Trump has used his social media platform to endorse a controversial claim made by television personality Dr Mehmet Oz, suggesting a link between taking Tylenol during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children.
The Controversial Claim
Dr Oz, currently a Republican Senate candidate in Pennsylvania, promoted the theory on a recent episode of his show. The segment suggested that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in common pain relievers like Tylenol, could be a significant contributor to rising autism rates if used during pregnancy.
This assertion flies in the face of the current scientific consensus. Major health bodies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have stated there is no reliable evidence to support such a link and have consistently recommended acetaminophen as a safe pain relief option for expectant mothers.
Trump's Amplification
The story gained significant traction when Donald Trump shared a clip of the segment on his Truth Social platform. Accompanied by the caption "Dr. Oz is right," Trump's endorsement has catapulted the disputed theory to a much wider audience, raising concerns among doctors about the potential for real-world harm.
Medical experts fear that such high-profile support for unsubstantiated claims could lead pregnant women to avoid necessary pain relief or, worse, turn to riskier alternatives like ibuprofen, which is not recommended during certain stages of pregnancy.
Expert Backlash and Public Health Concerns
The reaction from the medical community has been swift and critical. Specialists in obstetrics and paediatrics have condemned the promotion of what they label as "junk science."
Key concerns raised by experts include:
- Dismissing Established Science: The claims ignore large-scale, rigorous studies that have found no causal link.
- Risk of Patient Harm: Fearing a non-existent risk may cause women to suffer needless pain or use unsafe medications.
- Erosion of Trust: Such episodes can undermine public trust in established medical guidance.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of combating medical misinformation, particularly when it is amplified by influential political figures. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of public figures, especially those with medical backgrounds like Dr Oz, in disseminating health-related information.
