John L Hancock

Panadol is safe during pregnancy From paracetamol to measles vaccination, the tragedy of U.S. health policy reflects a broader crisis in its politics: a loss of centrism and a tragedy of truth. Paracetamol is safe during pregnancy—a statement that shouldn’t be contentious. Yet, U.S. President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have pushed it into the spotlight, claiming a “very strong” link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism. This claim, lacking nuance, feeds into a deep public desire to explain the rise in childhood neurodevelopmental conditions. As a scientist, I can confirm that scientific evidence backs the safety of paracetamol in pregnancy when used as directed. A 2021 consensus statement from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) reviewed extensive data and concluded that paracetamol remains a safe and effective option for pain relief during pregnancy when taken at recommended doses. Research, such as studies published in JAMA Pediatrics (2019), has found no consistent evidence linking paracetamol to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) when accounting for confounding factors like maternal health and socioeconomic conditions. Trump’s assertion oversimplifies a complex issue. Autism’s causes are multifaceted, involving genetic, environmental, and social factors, as detailed in The Lancet (2020). Misinformation risks eroding trust in medical advice and deterring pregnant women from seeking safe pain relief. The politicisation of health issues like paracetamol safety mirrors a broader decline in evidence-based discourse. Centrism in health policy—rooted in science, not sensationalism—is vital for public trust and wellbeing. As always if pain persists, see your doctor.