'Science is never settled, and we should remember that,' Nigel Farage declared at a Wednesday press conference. The Reform UK leader declined to challenge Donald Trump's claim that taking paracetamol (Tylenol) during pregnancy can cause autism. These remarks were widely condemned by medical experts, as studies from major health authorities show no evidence linking paracetamol use in pregnancy with autism.
When pressed by LBC to respond, Farage sidestepped. 'I have no idea ... you know, we were told thalidomide was a very safe drug and it wasn't.' By referencing thalidomide, a drug that caused birth defects in thousands of children during the 1950s and 60s, Farage implied that science isn't reliable, even when heavily researched. However, it's important to note that while thalidomide was later found to have severe adverse effects, paracetamol has been extensively studied and is widely considered safe for use in pregnancy. Unlike thalidomide, which was not thoroughly tested for its effects during pregnancy, paracetamol's safety profile is supported by ongoing studies.
