Global health experts condemn Trump's paracetamol and autism claims

US President Donald Trump's assertion linking paracetamol (Tylenol) to autism in infants has been widely dismissed by international health organizations and scientists, who warn of potential harm to pregnant women and a dangerous erosion of trust in medical advice.

24 sept 2025 - 22:39 • 4 min read

Global health experts and former US President Barack Obama have strongly refuted claims made by President Donald Trump linking paracetamol, commonly known as Tylenol in the United States, to autism in infants. These statements have been met with widespread condemnation from scientific and medical communities, who fear they could endanger pregnant women and undermine public health.

Trump stated that taking Tylenol is "not good" and urged pregnant women to "talk to their doctors about limiting the use of this medication while pregnant." He also suggested a link between the painkiller and autism, going so far as to say, "I think we have found the answer to autism."

However, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement emphasizing that there is "currently no conclusive scientific evidence" to support a link between autism and the popular painkiller. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has also reiterated that existing recommendations in the European Union remain unchanged, as current data does not show an increased risk of developmental disorders in children when paracetamol is taken during pregnancy.

Scientists point to extensive research, including large-scale studies, that have failed to establish a consistent association between acetaminophen (paracetamol) use during pregnancy and autism. A Swedish study published in 2024 in the journal JAMA, for instance, found no correlation between maternal paracetamol use and an increased risk of autism, attention deficit disorder, or cognitive disabilities in offspring.

Experts suggest that the concerns about a potential link may stem from older, less robust studies and a misunderstanding of how scientific associations are established. Professor Laurie Tomlinson, a professor of clinical epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, explained that it can be challenging to disentangle true causal factors from mere associations in such research. For example, factors like advanced parental age, which is associated with a higher likelihood of autism, are also linked to increased pain and medical conditions requiring painkillers during pregnancy.

Renee Gardner, an associate professor of epidemiology at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute, led a significant study using health records of over 2.4 million children. While the study observed a slightly higher incidence of autism in children whose mothers were prescribed paracetamol during pregnancy, this association disappeared when comparing siblings, thereby controlling for genetic predispositions.

Barack Obama, speaking at the O2 Arena in London, described Trump's claims as "violence against the truth" that could deter pregnant women from seeking necessary pain relief. He argued that such statements undermine public health and can lead to harm.

In the United Kingdom, Health Secretary Wes Streeting urged pregnant women to disregard Trump's comments, stating, "I trust doctors over President Trump, frankly, on this." Similarly, Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol, issued a statement expressing strong disagreement with Trump's announcement and concern for the potential health risks to expecting mothers.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, declined to criticize Trump's claims, stating that "science is never settled" and he would not "side with" medical experts. Farage suggested Trump's personal connection to autism might be influencing his views.

Experts also expressed concern about the broader implications of Trump's statements, including the potential for increased stigma and guilt for parents of autistic children, and heightened anxiety for pregnant women. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated Tylenol's labeling to include a "possible association" with autism, while also noting that a causal relationship has not been established and that the drug is approved for fever treatment in pregnancy, where high fever can pose risks.

Health professionals stress that untreated fever during pregnancy can lead to severe health risks. They caution that a reluctance to use paracetamol due to unfounded fears could result in unnecessary suffering for pregnant women and may even lead to increased rates of postpartum trauma and caesarean sections.

The debate over rising autism rates was also highlighted, with many researchers attributing the increase to greater awareness, improved diagnostic practices, and a broader understanding of the condition, rather than an actual surge in its prevalence. Experts caution against framing autism as an epidemic, arguing it can be demeaning to the autistic community.

This controversy comes amidst a backdrop of increasing partisan division and a rise in what is described as political rhetoric that is "violent, restive and divided."