A recent study has debunked the assertion made by former President Donald Trump that taking paracetamol during pregnancy is associated with autism. This claim lacks solid scientific backing, according to new research findings published in a reputable medical journal.
In September 2025, Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who serves as the Secretary of Health and Human Services, cautioned expectant mothers against using Tylenol—known as paracetamol in the UK—while reiterating various conspiracy theories surrounding autism. Kennedy has a history of spreading misinformation regarding vaccines and has previously suggested a discredited link between routine childhood vaccinations and autism. He indicated that health officials would recommend prescribing only the minimum effective dosage of this pain relief medication.
Health experts in the UK have responded critically to these alarming claims. Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged the public to disregard any medical statements issued by Trump, characterizing them as baseless.
A comprehensive review of medical literature featured in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health has now clarified that there is insufficient evidence to support the idea that paracetamol use during pregnancy raises the likelihood of autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or any intellectual disabilities in children.
Dr. Lisa Williams, who founded and directs The Autism Service, commented on the significant increase in autism diagnoses in the UK—up by 787 percent since 1998. She emphasized that it is scientifically unsound to directly link this rise to paracetamol intake during pregnancy, especially without credible evidence.
The researchers analyzed 43 studies, including one that utilized sibling data. A large-scale Swedish study involving 2.4 million births conducted in 2024 found no correlation between maternal exposure to paracetamol and the development of autism in children.
Additionally, a Japanese cohort study did suggest a minimal association with ADHD and autism; however, further examination revealed that these findings were likely influenced by confounding factors and potential biases.
The authors of the study asserted that previously noted connections between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism could stem from other maternal issues, such as pre-existing pain, discomfort, or genetic factors, instead of any direct impact of the medication itself.
Researchers cautioned that avoiding paracetamol might lead to adverse outcomes for both mothers and fetuses, such as untreated pain or fever, which could increase risks of miscarriage, premature birth, or congenital anomalies.
Experts have lauded this thorough and reliable study for countering the misleading assertions from the U.S. administration. Professor Grainne McAlonan from King's College London stated, "Expectant mothers do not need the anxiety associated with questioning whether a commonly used medication for headaches could potentially harm their child's health. While the ramifications of last year's statement were far-reaching, I trust that the findings from this study will help resolve this issue."
Furthermore, Dr. Steven Kapp, a senior lecturer in psychology at the University of Portsmouth, observed that parents of children with disabilities might be more inclined to take paracetamol, potentially due to stress or chronic pain related to parenting, which neurodivergent parents may experience more frequently.
As a researcher and advocate within the neurodiversity space, Dr. Kapp believes that society should shift its focus away from mistakenly trying to prevent developmental disabilities through unfounded means. Instead, he advocates for creating a more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities.
Dr. Monique Botha, an associate professor in social and developmental psychology at Durham University, reiterated that the high-quality evidence points clearly to one conclusion: there is no proof that using paracetamol as directed during pregnancy increases the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities.
