Trump’s Paracetamol-Autism Claim Sparks Global Concern, Contradicted by Major Study
Washington D.C. – September 22, 2025 – A startling claim by former U.S. President Donald Trump linking paracetamol (acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol) use during pregnancy to an increased risk of autism has ignited a firestorm of debate and anxiety worldwide. The assertion, made via a post on his social media account and amplified by the White House, stands in direct contradiction to extensive scientific research, including a landmark study involving nearly 2.5 million births.
The Claim and Immediate Reaction
Trump suggested that pregnant women experiencing fever or pain should “Support without treatment” rather than utilize paracetamol, stating, “Tylenol during pregnancy can be associated with a very increased risk of autism.” The tweet quickly went viral, prompting immediate concern from medical professionals and expectant mothers globally. The speed at which this information spread underscores the power of social media in shaping public health perceptions – and the critical need for accurate, evidence-based information.
Largest Study to Date Finds No Link
However, a comprehensive study published in 2024, led by researchers at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, casts serious doubt on Trump’s claim. The research, analyzing data from 2.5 million births between 1995 and 2019, found no evidence to support a connection between paracetamol use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual impairment. This study is particularly significant due to its scale and rigorous methodology.
Sibling Study: A Powerful Approach
What sets this research apart is its innovative approach: a comparison of siblings. By examining over 45,000 pairs of brothers and sisters – some exposed to paracetamol in utero and others not – researchers were able to control for genetic and environmental factors, providing a far more accurate assessment of the drug’s potential impact. “This intra-family comparison is powerful,” explains Renee Gardner, the principal researcher, “because siblings share a large part of their genetic heritage and family environment. It allows us to isolate whether the drug itself is responsible for any observed differences.”
Japanese Research Confirms Swedish Findings
Further bolstering these findings, a recent study conducted in Japan, utilizing a similar sibling-comparison methodology, yielded consistent results. Despite significant differences in paracetamol usage rates during pregnancy between Sweden (less than 10%) and Japan (nearly 40%), both studies concluded that there is no increased risk of autism or ADHD associated with the drug when comparing siblings.
Understanding ‘Confounding Factors’
Researchers emphasize the importance of accounting for “confounding factors.” Mothers who take paracetamol are often experiencing underlying conditions – such as migraines, chronic pain, or fever – which themselves have been linked to an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in their children. Failing to account for these factors can create a misleading association between paracetamol use and autism.
Is ‘Getting the Teeth’ Safe? Absolutely Not.
Trump’s suggestion to “get the teeth” – essentially, endure pain and fever without treatment – is unequivocally dangerous. Allowing a fever to go untreated during pregnancy can pose significant risks to both the mother and the developing baby. Leading medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the British Agency for the Regulation of Medicines and Health Products, continue to recommend paracetamol as a safe and effective antipyretic and analgesic during pregnancy, used at the lowest effective dose and only when necessary.
The French National Drug Safety Agency (ANSM) echoed this sentiment on September 25th, stating that “There is currently no new data justifying a modification of the recommendations for using paracetamol during pregnancy.”
The real risk isn’t paracetamol itself, but the potential consequences of untreated illness during pregnancy. This situation highlights the crucial role of reliable information and the importance of consulting with healthcare professionals.
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