Health experts have issued a definitive rebuttal to former US President Donald Trump's claims that paracetamol causes autism, stating there is "no evidence whatsoever" to support the assertion. The intervention follows a comprehensive scientific review published in a leading medical journal.
Study Directly Counters Presidential Claims
The research, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Women's Health, was conducted by an international team including UK specialists. It aimed to settle the debate sparked in September when Trump suggested a "meteoric rise" in autism could be linked to Tylenol, known as paracetamol in the UK. He controversially advised pregnant women to "tough it out" rather than take the common painkiller.
The academic team performed a wide-reaching analysis, scrutinising data from 43 studies in a systematic review and 17 in a meta-analysis. A crucial element of their work included sibling comparison studies, which examine children born to the same mother where paracetamol was used in one pregnancy but not another, helping to account for genetic and environmental factors.
Clear Conclusions for Expectant Mothers
The authors concluded unequivocally that paracetamol exposure during pregnancy was "not associated with the risk" of autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or intellectual disabilities. Professor Asma Khalil, lead author and a consultant obstetrician at St George’s Hospital, London, stated: "We found no clinically important increase in the risk... And this is the important message to the millions of pregnant individuals – paracetamol is safe to use in pregnancy."
Professor Khalil emphasised it remains the first-line treatment for pain or fever during pregnancy, consistent with national and international guidelines. The study's methodology prioritised high-quality evidence, using validated medical records and accounting for other maternal conditions and treatments.
Experts and Officials Seek to End Uncertainty
UK health leaders have welcomed the findings, hoping they will end unnecessary anxiety. Professor Grainne McAlonan of King’s College London said: "Expectant mothers do not need the stress of questioning whether medicine most commonly used for a headache could have far-reaching effects on their child’s health." She expressed hope the robust results would "bring the matter to a close."
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting added his reassurance, stating: "This major review can, yet again, reassure mothers-to-be everywhere that there is no evidence whatsoever to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism, ADHD or disabilities in their children. Our country’s leading scientists, doctors and the NHS are clear that paracetamol is safe to take when pregnant and in pain or suffering a fever."
The study's publication on Saturday 17 January 2026 represents a significant effort by the scientific community to provide clear, evidence-based guidance, countering misinformation and ensuring public health advice is founded on rigorous research.
