In a move that has alarmed medical professionals, former US President Donald Trump has thrown his weight behind Robert F. Kennedy Jr's controversial and scientifically unproven assertion that using Tylenol during pregnancy can cause autism in children.
The endorsement came during a joint appearance at a rally, where Trump praised Kennedy's stance, stating, "He's been right on a lot of things, and he's right on that too." This public backing of a widely debunked theory marks a significant escalation in the spread of health-related misinformation from prominent political figures.
Medical Experts Sound the Alarm
Healthcare authorities have been quick to condemn the claims. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and leading obstetrician-gynaecologist groups have consistently stated there is no reliable evidence to support a link between acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) and autism.
Dr. Sarah Thompson, a paediatric neurologist, told The Independent, "This is an incredibly dangerous narrative. We have robust scientific data confirming the safety of acetaminophen when used as directed during pregnancy. Spreading fear about a trusted medication could lead to genuine harm."
A Strategic Political Alliance?
Trump's endorsement appears to be part of a broader political strategy to align with Kennedy, who is running as an independent candidate. While Kennedy is unlikely to secure a victory, his campaign has the potential to siphon votes from both major parties, a dynamic Trump seems keen to exploit.
This alliance highlights a shared scepticism of established public health institutions, a theme that has become a cornerstone for both figures. The rally also featured Trump repeating his own disproven claims about childhood vaccines.
The Fallout and Public Health Concerns
The immediate concern among doctors and scientists is the real-world impact of such statements. Pregnant women who rely on Tylenol for pain relief may now avoid it, potentially leading to untreated fevers or severe pain, which themselves pose risks to fetal development.
The incident underscores the growing challenge of combating medical misinformation when it is amplified by influential political leaders, creating a difficult environment for public health officials tasked with protecting patient safety based on evidence-based science.
