Scientists, Doctors Reject Trump’s Claim Linking Paracetamol Use In Pregnancy To Autism

The global scientific community, including leading epidemiologists, public health experts (including from India), and global health bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Medicine Agency (EMA), has strongly refuted U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claim that paracetamol use during pregnancy may lead to autism in children. Some of them have taken up the social media platform X too, to push back against what they describe as “baseless scaremongering”, issuing evidence-based clarifications to reassure the public and uphold scientific integrity.

The assertion that paracetamol was linked to autism was made during a press briefing at the White House earlier this week by Trump, with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) indicating plans to add precautionary labeling to paracetamol, citing “uncertainty”, but no new clinical data has been released to support the move.

Medical professionals have raised concerns that such misinformation—particularly when voiced from the highest political offices—could lead to avoidable complications, including increased rates of miscarriage, if pregnant women avoid medically necessary treatments.

“This is baseless scaremongering,” Dr. Rachel Clarke (@doctor_oxford), a UK-based palliative care specialist, wrote on social media X. Citing the findings of a large Swedish cohort study, she stated that no correlation has been established between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol or Tylenol) and neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability.

American epidemiologist Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding was also among the first to respond, using the social media platform to counter what he described as dangerous misinformation. Referring to the largest study of its kind—involving 2.5 million children in Sweden—he emphasized that the findings showed no increased risk of autism associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy.

“Once you control for familial and genetic factors using sibling-matched data, even the slightest preliminary risk disappears,” said Dr. Feigl-Ding on his handle (@DrEricDing).

“A mother having a fever during pregnancy poses a far greater risk. Fever itself increases the likelihood of miscarriage and birth defects. Denying treatment for fever could have real, harmful consequences,” he warned.

The epidemiologist also criticized what he described as a growing trend of anti-scientific narratives gaining traction within U.S. public health leadership. “This is an upside-down dystopian universe, where the head of the U.S. health department is the king of anti-vaxxers, and science is being replaced by ideology,” he remarked.

The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), WHO, and EMA too dismissed the claim. The AAPD said, *“Despite what the government is claiming today, Tylenol doesn’t cause autism. Tylenol/acetaminophen/paracetamol is one of the most vetted and studied medications on the market. Research has shown zero causal relationship between taking Tylenol while pregnant and autism.

“More importantly, autism does not need to be cured or eradicated. Autistic people need to be accepted and accommodated. The government needs to provide Americans with accurate, scientific information, instead of fearmongering and providing false information about safe medication.”*

The WHO responded to Trump’s remarks with a clear statement: “There is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and use of acetaminophen during pregnancy.”

WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic added that large-scale studies have been inconclusive at best and that no global health agency currently recommends any change to the drug’s use under medical supervision. Paracetamol is widely used across the world, with over 50% of pregnant women taking the drug for relief from fever, headaches, and general pain. It has been endorsed by regulatory and clinical bodies globally—including the WHO—as safe when used in moderation and under medical advice.

“Any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals,” WHO noted.

Former WHO Chief Scientist Dr. Soumya Swaminathan echoed similar views. She noted that while overuse of any medication during pregnancy should be avoided, paracetamol remains among the safest options for managing pain and fever in expectant mothers.

“Multiple factors contribute to autism. Paracetamol, when used responsibly, is not among them,” said Dr. Swaminathan, also the former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Indian doctors have also weighed in on the debate. Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National IMA COVID Task Force, described the claim as unscientific and potentially harmful.

Dr. Jayadevan added that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists has also stated that there is no scientific basis for warning against paracetamol use in pregnancy.

“Spreading unverified health claims for political ends is not only irresponsible, but dangerous,” said Dr. Clarke. “These are real lives at stake.”

Dr. Vijay Agarwal, a senior pulmonologist from Yatharth Super Speciality Hospital in Faridabad, offered a balanced perspective, acknowledging that while some studies have explored potential mechanisms such as oxidative stress and hormonal disruption, the overall evidence remains inconclusive.

“Many experts caution that more rigorous, long-term studies are needed. Paracetamol remains widely considered safe in pregnancy when used as directed. Pregnant women should consult healthcare providers for guidance. The potential risks appear small compared to the benefits for pain and fever management, but caution is advised,” he added.

Wes Streeting, Labour MP for Ilford North and Secretary of State for Health & Social Care, made a strong statement, saying on his social platform (@wesstreeting): “There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Don’t take that from me or any other politician. The science is clear.”

According to the WHO, autism spectrum disorder affects nearly 62 million people globally, or about 1 in every 127 individuals. The exact cause remains unknown and is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

The health body advised women to continue following guidance from their doctors, who are best placed to assess individual health needs during pregnancy.