Pregnant Canadians can continue using acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) as directed, Health Canada reaffirmed Wednesday pushing back against renewed misinformation stemming from recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who falsely claimed the medication causes autism. The department emphasized that decades of clinical evidence and ongoing safety reviews support its use when taken at recommended doses.
Trump’s remarks, made during a campaign rally last week without citing scientific sources, ignited confusion among expectant parents already navigating a sea of conflicting advice. But Health Canada’s position remains unchanged: acetaminophen is the preferred pain and fever reliever during pregnancy, as alternatives like ibuprofen carry higher risks, especially in later trimesters. The agency noted that while some observational studies have explored potential links between prolonged, high-dose use and neurodevelopmental outcomes, no causal relationship has been established.
Dr. Supriya Sharma, Health Canada’s Chief Medical Advisor, pointed to a 2023 systematic review co-authored by Canadian, European, and U.S. regulators that concluded: “The benefits of short-term, appropriate acetaminophen use in pregnancy outweigh unproven theoretical risks.” She stressed that fever itself untreated poses documented dangers, including neural tube defects and preterm birth. At a prenatal clinic in Ottawa, midwife Lena Cho watched patients flinch at headlines. “One woman stopped taking it for a 39°C fever,” she said. “That scared me more than any study.”
Public health officials are now working with obstetric associations to distribute clear guidance to clinics nationwide. A new youth initiative led by medical students is also translating materials into 12 languages to reach vulnerable communities often targeted by online misinformation. “Pregnancy is hard enough without political noise,” said Sharma. “We protect what the evidence shows not what gets clicks.”
For many expectant parents, the message is a relief. In a Vancouver pharmacy, Sarah Mehta, 28 weeks pregnant, held a bottle of generic acetaminophen and exhaled. “I’ve been Googling at 3 a.m. for days,” she said. “Hearing our own health authority say ‘it’s okay’ that’s what I needed.” Health Canada urges Canadians to consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice but insists: do not stop using acetaminophen out of fear fueled by falsehoods.
In an era where a single viral claim can ripple through waiting rooms and WhatsApp groups, science must speak louder than speculation. And sometimes, the most radical act of care is simply trusting the quiet, consistent voice of evidence especially when you’re carrying a future in your hands.
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