Saturday, March 29, 2025
Is Paracetamol Dangerous During Pregnancy? Trump’s Autism Claim Sparks Global Outcry
Published: Sept 23, 2025, 08:12 AM IST
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited worldwide controversy after urging pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen—commonly known as Tylenol in the U.S. and paracetamol elsewhere—claiming it increases the risk of autism in children.
Speaking at the White House, Trump declared, “Tylenol is not a good idea. Pregnant women should talk to their doctors about limiting its use.” He later repeated bluntly: “Don’t take Tylenol.”
His announcement followed a months-long review led by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which claimed paracetamol use during pregnancy heightens autism risk—a conclusion that international scientists have strongly rejected as unscientific.
Medical experts immediately condemned Trump’s remarks. Researchers widely agree that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) arises from a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors, not a single cause. Evidence linking paracetamol to autism remains inconclusive and incomplete.
Dr. Arthur Caplan, head of medical ethics at NYU, called Trump’s comments “dangerous, unscientific, and misinformed.” He warned this could cause unnecessary guilt among pregnant women: “They will feel like they’re harming their babies simply by treating a fever. That’s completely unfair and wrong.”
Tylenol’s manufacturer, Kenvue, defended acetaminophen as the safest pain relief option during pregnancy, noting that untreated fever itself can harm both mother and child. Without acetaminophen, women might turn to riskier alternatives.
The FDA is reportedly preparing new guidance advising doctors to restrict paracetamol prescriptions during pregnancy unless “medically necessary,” such as for fever control.
This isn’t Trump’s first brush with medical misinformation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he drew global criticism for suggesting disinfectant injections could treat the virus—an idea immediately denounced by scientists as dangerous.
Despite Trump’s assertions, mainstream research continues to show no proven causal link between paracetamol and autism. CNN reports that studies are ongoing, but no conclusive evidence supports banning its use.
For now, doctors continue to recommend that pregnant women use paracetamol cautiously and only when needed, under medical supervision.
