SEOUL — The Korean Pharmaceutical Association (KPA) has publicly refuted President Donald Trump's recent claim that pregnant women's use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) is linked to a rise in childhood autism. In an official statement released on September 24, the KPA asserted that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support Trump's allegations and reaffirmed that acetaminophen remains one of the safest fever and pain relievers available, especially for expectant mothers.
A Controversial Claim
The controversy began on September 22, when Donald Trump, speaking from the White House, suggested a connection between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and a significant increase in autism diagnoses. He noted a "400% spike" in autism rates since 2000, and, citing this, strongly advised pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol unless they were suffering from an unbearable fever.
The Pharmaceutical Community's Response
The Korean Pharmaceutical Association quickly responded, highlighting that major health authorities and academic organizations worldwide have not found compelling scientific proof to back Trump's claims. The KPA's statement emphasized that a prolonged fever or infection in a pregnant woman can pose a more significant risk to fetal neural development than the controlled use of acetaminophen.
"Under the guidance of a physician or pharmacist, a proper dose of acetaminophen is considered the most established and safest drug for pregnant women when compared to other fever and pain relievers," the KPA stated. The association also pledged that its 90,000 members across the nation would continue to provide clear and reliable guidance on medication use to ensure public safety and alleviate concerns.
Broader Medical Consensus
The sentiment expressed by the KPA is mirrored by a wider consensus within the global medical community. Many experts have dismissed Trump's statements as lacking scientific basis and causing unnecessary alarm. Physicians and researchers are quick to point out that managing a high fever is crucial during pregnancy, and for this purpose, acetaminophen is widely regarded as the preferred and safest option.
The product in question, Tylenol, is a common over-the-counter medication manufactured by Kenvue, a company spun off from Johnson & Johnson (J&J). It is a staple in medicine cabinets worldwide, used by people of all ages to relieve pain and reduce fever. The broad consensus among medical professionals is that the potential risks of an untreated fever—such as maternal dehydration, increased heart rate, and potential harm to the fetus—outweigh the unproven, theoretical risks associated with Tylenol use.
The Source of the Debate
While the KPA and other medical bodies firmly reject a direct causal link, the debate around acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental issues is not entirely new. Over the years, a handful of observational studies have suggested a possible statistical association between prolonged acetaminophen exposure in the womb and an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or, less frequently, autism. However, these studies have been heavily criticized for their methodological limitations. Many rely on self-reported data from mothers, fail to account for other potential confounding factors—such as the underlying reason the medication was taken—and do not establish a cause-and-effect relationship.
Medical experts universally agree that a statistical correlation does not equal causation. The medical and scientific community continue to recommend acetaminophen as the first-line treatment for fever and pain during pregnancy, a position affirmed by organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The KPA's swift and firm response serves as a reminder of the importance of relying on established scientific and medical consensus rather than anecdotal claims, especially when it comes to public health. It underscores the ongoing commitment of healthcare professionals to provide accurate, evidence-based information to a public often overwhelmed by conflicting claims.
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