UK experts condemn Trump paracetamol 'fearmongering'

Tylenol is paracetamol in the UK (Alamy/PA) PA Media

UK experts have condemned "fearmongering" after reports that Donald Trump's administration will claim a link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism. Scientists have hit back against the expected claims, with one warning they risk "stigmatising families who have autistic children as having brought it on themselves".

The Wall Street Journal reported that US health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr is expected to say Tylenol - known as paracetamol in the UK - is a potential cause of autism. A federal report is also expected to recommend a specific type of vitamin folate as a treatment for the disorder.

Trump said on Saturday: "I think we found an answer to autism."

In the UK, the NHS website states that "paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you're pregnant. It's commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby".

Expert Response

Dr Monique Botha, associate professor in social and developmental psychology at Durham University, said many studies refute any link. She pointed to a Swedish study of 2.4 million births published in 2024 which used actual sibling data and found no relationship between paracetamol exposure in the womb and subsequent autism, ADHD or intellectual disability.

"This suggests no causal effect of paracetamol in autism," Dr Botha said. She added there is "no robust evidence or convincing studies to suggest there is any causal relationship" and expressed exceptional confidence that no relationship exists.

Dr Botha warned the fearmongering will prevent women from accessing appropriate care during pregnancy. "Further, it risks stigmatising families who have autistic children as having brought it on themselves and reinvigorates the long pattern of maternal shame and blame," she said.

Medical Professional Views

Professor Dimitrios Siassakos from University College London said autism results from several factors, often combined, particularly genetic predisposition and sometimes low oxygen at birth due to complications. Research shows any apparent increase from paracetamol use in pregnancy disappears when analyses account for the most important factors.

"For example, in studies looking at siblings, any association disappeared - it was the family history that mattered and not the use of paracetamol," Professor Siassakos said. He warned that undue focus on paracetamol would risk preventing families from using one of the safest medications in pregnancy when needed.

Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.