UK experts reject Trump paracetamol claim on autism risk in pregnancy

A claim by former U.S. president Donald Trump that taking paracetamol during pregnancy strongly raises the risk of autism drew swift backlash from UK health experts, who said there is no robust evidence to support such a link and warned the remarks could deter pregnant women from seeking necessary care. In a White House event, Trump argued that pregnant women should endure pain rather than take paracetamol unless medically essential, and he asserted that the FDA would notify physicians that acetaminophen use during pregnancy is associated with a very increased risk of autism. He also suggested that autism research has been stifled by scientists who fear being politically incorrect and urged that vaccines and some medications be avoided in certain groups. Industry and public health officials quickly pushed back, emphasizing the drug’s safety profile when used as directed.

UK reaction followed within hours as scientists across the health and medical research community pushed back against the assertions. Dr Monique Botha, associate professor in social and developmental psychology at Durham University, voiced a firm rebuttal: "There is no robust evidence or convincing studies to suggest there is any causal relationship [between paracetamol and autism] and any conclusions being drawn to the contrary are often motivated, under-evidenced, and unsupported by the most robust methods to answering this question. I am exceptionally confident in saying that no relationship exists." She added that paracetamol remains a safer option during pregnancy than many alternatives and warned that fearmongering could prevent women from accessing appropriate care. The remarks underscored a broader concern among researchers that conflating a common pain reliever with a major developmental disorder could stigmatize families and mislead expectant mothers about safe treatment options.

The new wave of claims comes as the federal review led by health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. into rising autism rates in the United States has sought to examine potential drivers behind the condition. Trump’s assertion that there is a political risk in acknowledging certain areas of autism research has fueled criticism that the administration’s rhetoric could distort public understanding of risk factors and medical guidance. In the same remarks, Trump advised parents to spread their children’s MMR vaccinations over five years rather than in a single visit, and he suggested delaying the hepatitis vaccine until a child is 12. He also asserted that some groups do not take vaccines and should avoid pills that he implied carry autism risk, a claim that has drawn sharp rebuke from public health officials who warn against linking vaccines to autism.

In the wake of the White House comments, the maker of Tylenol, Kenvue, saw shares fall amid concerns over the potential public health impact of Trump’s statements. A company spokesperson said the claims were dangerous and stressed that paracetamol (acetaminophen) remains the safest option for pain and fever relief in pregnant women when used according to medical guidance. Kenvue added that it is deeply concerned about the risk such statements pose to expecting mothers and pledged to continue prioritizing safety communications.

Some health researchers sought to place the discussion in a broader scientific context. A separate line of inquiry has examined whether paracetamol exposure during pregnancy could be linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and ADHD. A Harvard University and Mount Sinai study, published in BMC Environmental Health, analyzed results from 46 prior studies and suggested that while there may be some association, the benefits of treating fever and pain during pregnancy must be weighed against potential risks to the fetus. The researchers urged caution in interpreting the results and emphasized limiting use where possible, while acknowledging that untreated pain and fever can also pose risks to fetal development.

Dimitrios Siassakos, a professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at University College London, warned that anchoring public perception to a single factor risks obscuring the multifactorial nature of autism. He said: "Autism results from several factors, often combined, particularly genetic predisposition, and sometimes low oxygen at the time of birth as a result of complications. Undue focus on paracetamol would risk preventing families from using one of the safest medications to use in pregnancy when needed." He endorsed a careful, evidence-based approach that weighs the value of paracetamol for symptom relief against any speculative risk.

Regulatory perspectives in the United Kingdom have been clear. Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), stated: "There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women. Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment." The MHRA’s stance aligns with guidance from other health bodies that emphasize appropriate use and medical supervision rather than broad avoidance.

The discourse around paracetamol comes amid broader concerns about how to interpret evolving data in autism research. Some experts caution against sensational framing that could deter parents from seeking legitimate medical care for themselves or their children. Harvard and Mount Sinai researchers stressed that fevers and pain in pregnant women require careful management, as both overuse and under-treatment can carry risks. At the same time, researchers noted the importance of ongoing investigation into the complex mix of genetic, environmental, and perinatal factors that influence neurodevelopment.

The timing of the discussion also intersects with ongoing policy debates and a federal effort to understand autism prevalence and its causes. Kennedy’s administration has signaled a willingness to scrutinize longstanding assumptions about what contributes to autism, even as public health officials reiterate the primacy of evidence-based treatment and preventive care. As new studies emerge, clinicians emphasize maintaining open dialogue with patients, avoiding stigmatizing language, and ensuring that guidance remains anchored in robust, peer-reviewed science rather than political rhetoric.

For pregnant patients, the current medical consensus remains clear: use paracetamol only when medically indicated, at the recommended doses, and under a clinician’s supervision. Healthcare professionals say that when used appropriately, paracetamol provides safe, effective relief from fever and pain for pregnant people, whereas untreated symptoms can carry their own risks for both the mother and fetus. As experts continue to review emerging data, they advocate a cautious, measured approach that respects the complexity of autism research while safeguarding maternal and infant health.