A prominent Israeli gynecologist has sparked controversy with unsubstantiated claims about autism and pain medication, prompting swift rebuttals from health authorities. Dr. Doron Goldberg posted a series of tweets claiming that giving acetaminophen during circumcision doubles autism rates among Jewish children compared to Arab populations.
KEY CLAIMS AND CORRECTIONS:
- Goldberg claimed autism is a disease, not genetic - contradicting established medical consensus
- He alleged that giving an infant acetaminophen (Acamol) during circumcision increases autism risk - citing a misinterpreted Danish study
- He suggested that using acetaminophen during pregnancy is not safe for the foetus - lacking scientific evidence
The Health Ministry firmly rejected these assertions: "This claim has been thoroughly investigated both in Israel and worldwide. After extensive literature review and expert consultations, no link has been proven between acetaminophen use during circumcision and autism."
AUTISM FACTS:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition with genetic components
- Current rates: 1:88 in Israel, 1:36 in the US
- Symptoms of ASD appear in early childhood
- ASD is not tied to socioeconomic status or ethnicity
- Likely caused by combination of genetic and environmental factors
Dr. Goldberg, who has a child with autism, claims to have 14 studies supporting his position but cited a Norwegian study that actually originated in Denmark and didn't establish the connection he claimed.