Calgary doctors, autism advocates concerned about Trump’s Tylenol claims

Some Calgary doctors are fielding concerns from pregnant patients about Tylenol after comments made by Trump. Stephanie Thomas reports.

Some Calgary doctors say they are fielding concerns from pregnant patients about Tylenol and its disputed links to autism, as announced by U.S. President Donald Trump last month.

On Sept. 22, Trump said pregnant women should “fight like hell not to take” the pain and fever medication because it causes children to develop autism.

Numerous health organizations – including Health Canada and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) – refute Trump’s claim about acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol.

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The SOGC released a statement saying: “Acetaminophen remains a safe and appropriate first-line option for managing fever and pain during pregnancy when medically needed, at recommended doses and for the shortest duration necessary.

“Despite some claims suggesting a causal link between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen and certain neurodevelopmental disorders, the SOGC reasserts that the evidence supporting these claims is weak and has been consistently refuted by scientific and regulatory bodies.”

‘Just so wrong’

Staff at the Foothills Maternity Group have postered the SOGC’s statement about acetaminophen throughout the clinic.

Dr. Stephanie Cooper says she is spending more time with patients speaking about treating symptoms of fever, injury and headache, and says there is no scientific evidence for a causal link between Tylenol and autism.

“It’s just so wrong. It doesn’t respect women as people. It doesn’t respect that they are income earners, and they need to perform in their jobs. They need to take care of their own children, and they need to sleep. They need to be able to function.”

The high-risk obstetrician and maternal fetal medicine specialist says the claim further piles on scrutiny and shame for patients who are navigating an already complex state of being pregnant.

“Pregnant moms are already terrified they’re going to do something wrong that’s going to hurt the baby. Now, we have this statement by the president of the United States saying, ‘do not take Tylenol in pregnancy, it’s very bad.’ That is completely not true. It’s not evidence based and it’s going to create harm.”

Supports needed

Leaders within Calgary’s autism community say the claim is a hurtful distraction from the tangible needs of people who are neurodivergent or are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

“It’s a step backwards in time, where we thought of autism – inhumanely – as a problem, rather than recognizing that we have people that are different, that are wired differently,” said Lyndon Parakin, executive director for Autism Calgary. “Given the right kinds of opportunities and supports, (people with autism) will thrive like any other human being.”

Parakin is also a parent to two autistic children and says it’s more urgent than ever to provide supports that are often lacking for many families.

“To be strong, to be safe, to have income security, to have the services and supports they need to thrive and contribute economically and, meaningfully, with their skills to society.”

He later added, “human beings are most proud of what make them different. Autistic persons have very unique differences that they’re also very proud of and have many gifts to give.”

Official recommendation

Alberta’s Ministry for Primary and Preventative Health Services said in a statement emailed to CTV News that the “approval and regulation of drugs falls under federal jurisdiction.”

However, a page titled “Acetaminophen use during pregnancy” on myhealth.alberta.ca suggests Tylenol is usually safe to take while pregnant.

“While you are pregnant, you may have common problems that aren’t caused by your pregnancy, like a cold or influenza (flu). Or you may have a mild headache, mild fever, or backache,” the site states. “These minor symptoms generally don’t cause problems or hurt your baby. In general, doctors say it’s usually safe to take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever and pain.”

Health Canada has said there is “no conclusive evidence” that using acetaminophen as directed during pregnancy causes autism.