Exposes Trump’s Autism-Acetaminophen Claim
The Trump administration’s plan to blame autism on women using acetaminophen during pregnancy has faced a decisive blow from European scientists. A comprehensive review of 43 high-quality studies published Friday in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Women’s Health found no link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
At a Glance
- European review of 43 studies shows no connection between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism.
- Trump and RFK Jr. urged pregnant women to stop taking Tylenol, citing a supposed link.
- The Lancet paper confirms acetaminophen remains safe when taken as directed.
- Why it matters: The findings counter a high-profile political claim that could alter pregnancy medication guidelines.
The Trump Claim
Last September, President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced what they called a breakthrough linking autism to acetaminophen use during pregnancy. At the press conference, Trump urged women to stop taking the drug, while RFK Jr. said further studies would confirm a causative relationship. The administration hinted at regulatory action, including a potential warning label on acetaminophen products.
Many experts immediately dismissed the claim. Studies that suggested a link were often limited by observational designs, while others-including sibling-comparison studies-found no association. The UK and several other countries continued to endorse acetaminophen as the safest painkiller for pregnant women, noting that alternatives carry higher miscarriage risks.
European Review Findings
The latest research, conducted by scientists in the UK, Sweden, Italy, and other countries, analyzed data from 43 high-quality studies. Several of these studies compared siblings born to the same mother, one of whom used acetaminophen during pregnancy while the other did not. This design controls for shared genetic and environmental factors.
When sibling studies were included, the review found no significant link between acetaminophen use and increased risk of autism, intellectual disability, or ADHD. Even when restricting the analysis to studies judged to be at low risk of bias, no association emerged.
“Current evidence does not indicate a clinically important increase in the likelihood of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children of pregnant individuals who use paracetamol as directed, supporting existing recommendations on its safety,” the researchers wrote.
Study author Asma Khalil, a professor of obstetrics and maternal fetal medicine at City St George’s, University of London, explained that previously reported links are likely explained by genetic predisposition or other maternal factors such as fever or underlying pain, rather than a direct effect of the drug.
Scientific Context
The review echoes a similar November study that also found no convincing evidence of a causative link. The consensus among researchers is clear: pregnant women should not be overly stressed about using acetaminophen.
“The message is clear-paracetamol remains a safe option during pregnancy when taken as guided,” Khalil said.
While the study does not recommend unlimited use, it reinforces that acetaminophen can be taken safely when needed, as it is the only widely recommended painkiller for pregnant women.
Policy and International Response
Despite the scientific consensus, the Trump administration’s stance shows little sign of easing. At a White House Cabinet meeting in early October, RFK Jr. acknowledged that the government did not have proof that acetaminophen can cause autism. However, he immediately added, “We’re doing the studies to make the proof.“
The administration’s push for a warning label on acetaminophen products remains a point of contention. International bodies, including the UK’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, continue to support acetaminophen use during pregnancy, citing the lack of evidence for harm.
Future Outlook
The European review provides a robust counterpoint to the Trump administration’s claim. Whether policy will shift remains uncertain, but the scientific community now has a clear, evidence-based position: acetaminophen, when used as directed, does not increase autism risk.
Key Takeaways
- A comprehensive review of 43 studies found no link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism.
- The study’s findings reinforce existing safety recommendations for acetaminophen during pregnancy.
- The Trump administration’s call for a warning label and urging women to stop taking Tylenol is not supported by current evidence.
- International regulators continue to endorse acetaminophen as the safest painkiller for pregnant women.
- The debate highlights the tension between political messaging and scientific evidence in public health policy.
