Trust doctors over Trump on paracetamol, Streeting says

Wes Streeting, the United Kingdom's health secretary, told ITV's Lorraine that he trusts doctors and scientists—not former U.S. President Donald Trump—when it comes to paracetamol use during pregnancy. Streeting said expectant mothers should ignore Trump's unfounded claims that Tylenol could harm their child, stressing that there is no evidence linking acetaminophen use in pregnancy to autism. He cited a major Swedish study published last year involving about 2.4 million children that found no link between the medication and autism. Streeting said, "I trust doctors over President Trump" and added, "Don't pay any attention whatsoever to what Donald Trump says about medicine." He urged people to listen instead to British doctors, scientists and the NHS, which maintains that paracetamol remains the first-choice painkiller for pregnant women and that aspirin or ibuprofen are not normally recommended because they can affect the baby's circulation. The NHS notes that untreated fever in pregnancy can be harmful.

UK health groups and charities also pushed back against Trump's claims. The National Autistic Society criticized him for spreading misinformation and described his remarks as dangerous, anti-science and irresponsible. "This is dangerous, it's anti-science and it's irresponsible," said Mel Merritt, the charity's policy lead, in a strongly worded statement. The Trump administration has been accused of peddling myths that could undermine public health messaging and decades of research on autism.

Trump's remarks followed a review led by the dean of Harvard University's Chan School of Public Health in August. The review analyzed 46 studies and found that some suggested a link between acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders, but the authors emphasized that a causal relationship had not been established and that more research was needed. They noted that limiting use should be considered while acknowledging the drug's role in treating maternal fever and pain. Other studies, including a Japanese study earlier this year, reported small increases in risk but warned that misclassification and biases could explain much of those findings. The Swedish study from the previous year found no evidence of a casual link between autism and acetaminophen.

Kenvue, the Tylenol maker in the United States, said the science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism and expressed deep concern about suggesting otherwise. In the United States, regulators at the FDA told doctors to consider limiting Tylenol use while recognizing that it remains the safest over-the-counter option for treating fever during pregnancy, which can pose risks if left untreated. The agency noted that while associations between acetaminophen and autism have been described in various studies, a causal relationship has not been established, and some studies contradict the link. FDA officials also indicated plans to pursue safety labeling changes and to launch public health messaging.

Monique Botha, a professor of social and developmental psychology at Durham University, described the broader discussion as fearmongering that could deter women from seeking appropriate care during pregnancy. Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said the drug has been used safely by millions of people for decades, including during pregnancy. In the United States, leaders of obstetric and gynecologic groups have argued there is no clear evidence of a direct relationship between acetaminophen use and fetal developmental issues. Dr. Steven Fleischman of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stressed that the topic is complex and that the existing literature does not establish a causal link. The FDA’s stance reflects a cautious approach: consider safety labeling and educate patients, while continuing to recognize acetaminophen as the safest available option for treating fever and pain in pregnancy, given that uncontrolled fever can itself be harmful to both mother and fetus.

In the United Kingdom, health authorities emphasise that paracetamol remains the recommended option for pain relief during pregnancy and that high fever or unmanaged pain should be addressed with medical guidance. While Trump’s comments drew international attention, UK officials and medical groups have reiterated a consistent message: pregnant women should consult their clinicians and rely on established medical guidance rather than unverified claims. The broader goal is to ensure that expectant mothers receive safe, evidence-based care while avoiding unnecessary fear that could lead to under-treatment of treatable conditions. As the medical community continues to monitor emerging research, NHS guidance and professional bodies maintain their stance that acetaminophen, when used as directed, is a safe and appropriate option for many pregnant patients.