UK experts dispute Trump claim linking paracetamol in pregnancy to autism

At a White House event, President Donald Trump asserted that taking paracetamol during pregnancy "can be associated with a very increased risk of autism" and said the FDA would notify physicians to limit acetaminophen use to medically necessary cases. He framed it as a responsibility for pregnant women to endure pain rather than rely on the drug and argued use should be restricted to those who "can't tough it out" or have an extremely high fever. The remarks came as part of a federal review led by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. into factors behind rising autism rates in the United States. He also urged parents to spread their children's MMR vaccinations over five years instead of a single visit and advised delaying hepatitis vaccines until age 12.

UK scientists quickly pushed back. Dr Monique Botha, an associate professor of social and developmental psychology at Durham University, said there is "no robust evidence or convincing studies" of a causal link between paracetamol and autism, and that conclusions suggesting otherwise are "under-evidenced" and unsupported by robust methods. She added that paracetamol is a "much safer option during pregnancy than basically any other alternative" and warned that "fearmongering" could deter pregnant women from seeking appropriate care. The remarks drew swift condemnation from public health experts and prompted renewed attention to official guidance on pain relief during pregnancy.

Industry and health authorities responded. Tylenol manufacturer Kenvue said Trump's claims were dangerous and that there is no evidence that acetaminophen causes autism; the drug remains the safest option for treating pain and fever in pregnant women. A spokesman noted that the company is deeply concerned about the potential risk to expectant mothers.

Separately, researchers have been examining links between paracetamol exposure during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental conditions. A Harvard University–Mount Sinai study published in BMC Environmental Health analyzed results from 46 prior studies and suggested a possible association with neurodevelopmental disorders, while emphasizing that treating fever and pain in mothers remains important to avoid harm to the unborn baby. The U.S. federal review and related studies underscore the complexity of autism risk factors and the need for careful interpretation of observational data.

Dimitrios Siassakos, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at University College London, cautioned that autism arises from multiple factors, including genetics and birth complications, and warned that focusing on paracetamol could hinder access to one of the safest medications for pregnancy when needed.

Regulatory perspectives. Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said there is "no evidence" that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. She noted that paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women and that untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so symptoms should be managed with approved treatment.

Amid ongoing debate, the discussion reflects a broader public-health context as the United States pursues a government-backed review into factors contributing to rising autism rates. In April, Health Secretary Kennedy pledged to identify causes within months, while doctors and researchers emphasize the need for careful, evidence-based guidance rather than sensational claims.