Donald Trump linked autism to childhood vaccine use and the use of pain medication Tylenol by women when pregnant on Sunday during an extraordinary press conference. The president’s claim that the dosages given to babies are what you give to horses, among other claims, is now being condemned by several experts in the field.
On Monday, Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr held a press conference after stating they had an “autism announcement.”
The President of the United States, who is not a doctor nor has any experience in the field, suggested that pregnant women avoid taking the painkiller Tylenol, as it could help reduce the risk of the child getting autism.
Moreover, while he didn’t say he opposed all vaccines to the press gathered, he claimed that key immunizations should be delayed or, at the very least, a combination of shots should be given separately.
Even so, vaccines have not been proven to have any link to autism, with several medical experts now condemning the claims made by the president and his health secretary.
On Air Force One, returning from the Charlie Kirk memorial service in Glendale, Arizona, Trump was asked about the announcement on autism, which was given on Monday.
Donald Trump claims babies get ‘massive vaccines like you’d give to a horse
When a journalist asked him about the link between autism and vaccines, and that the scientific consensus is that there is no link, the president went off.
“Vaccines are very interesting. They can be great, but when you put the wrong stuff in them, you know… And, you know, children get these massive vaccines like you’d give to a horse… like you’d give to a horse,” the president replied.
“And I’ve said for a long time, I mean, this is no secret – spread them out over five years. Get five shots, small ones. Did you ever see what they give? I mean, for a little baby to be injected with that much fluid, even beyond the actual ingredients, they have sometimes 80 different vaccines in them. It’s crazy.”
He added, “You know that’s a common sense thing too… It’s like you’re shooting up a horse. You have a little body, a little baby, and you’re pumping this big thing. It’s a horrible thing. So I’ve always felt that. But we’ll be having a big discussion about autism tomorrow,” he continued.
Several medical experts now push back on Donald Trump’s claims. According to the BBC, Dr. Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, stated in a press release that Trump and Kennedy’s announcement “is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence and dangerously simplifies the many and complex causes of neurologic challenges in children.”
Experts strikes back on Trump’s ‘fake news’
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has also stated that Tylenol is the only safe pain reliever for pregnant women. It’s recommended not only by the group but also by governments worldwide.
“Studies that have been conducted in the past, show no clear evidence that proves a direct relationship between the prudent use of acetaminophen during any trimester and fetal developmental issues,” the group has said.
In a statement to the BBC, Tylenol maker Kenvue said the science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism.
“We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.”
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