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MDDUS welcomes Health Secretary’s clear backing of UK doctors

Author: MDDUS | Date: 23 September 2025

At a glance:

  • MDDUS has welcomed clear public support from the UK health secretary rejecting claims linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism.
  • The organisation says misinformation risks placing unnecessary pressure on GPs and causing avoidable patient anxiety.
  • MDDUS has reassured patients that paracetamol is safe when used as directed and has backed calls for medical advice to be based on evidence, not fear.

The medical defence organisation MDDUS today welcomed Wes Streeting’s unambiguous support for the medical profession following unproven claims by Donald Trump of links between paracetamol and autism.

Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine programme, the health secretary said there was “no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children. None.”

He urged the public to pay no attention whatsoever to what the US President had to say on medicine and to rely on the advice of ‘British doctors, British scientists and the NHS’.

Dr Naeem Nazem, Head of Medical Division at MDDUS, said: “This clear endorsement of UK doctors is exactly what patients need to hear.

“Our members in primary care are already under immense pressure and should not be tied up fielding unnecessary appointments prompted by unproven claims and misinformation.”

Dr Nazem added: “Pregnant women can be reassured that paracetamol is safe when taken as directed, and that vaccines such as the MMR do not cause autism.

“Patients can have confidence in their GP’s advice and in the science that underpins it.

“We welcome Wes Streeting’s decision to rapidly call out misinformation and reinforce the message that medicine should be based on facts, not fear.”

This page was correct at the time of publication. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

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