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American and European scientists have found no evidence of a link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism in children, debunking claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The conclusion comes from a review of 43 studies published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health. The authors reported no clinically significant increase in the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability among children whose mothers took paracetamol while pregnant.
“As a key message for pregnant women, paracetamol remains a safe and recommended treatment for pain or fever during pregnancy,” said Asma Khalil, a consultant obstetrician and fetal medicine specialist at St George’s Hospital in London, who led the review.
The researchers noted that earlier studies cited by U.S. officials were often affected by bias and failed to account for confounding factors such as genetic predisposition or the mother’s underlying health conditions. In contrast, the Lancet review relied on higher-quality studies, including sibling comparisons and follow-ups lasting at least five years.
The authors concluded that previously reported associations are more likely explained by genetic factors or maternal conditions—such as fever or pain—rather than a direct effect of paracetamol itself.
