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No evidence that paracetamol causes autism in children: Trump's claims disproved

A review of international studies published in the British Medical Journal finds no reliable link between taking the drug during pregnancy and developmental disorders in children

by Francesca Cerati

10 November 2025

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

A new global review published in the British Medical Journal (Bmj) debunks the idea that paracetamol use during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

The review, conducted by researchers from universities in the UK, Australia and Spain, examined nine previously published systematic reviews, totalling 40 observational studies on maternal drug use and neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. The conclusion is stark: the quality of the evidence is 'low to critically low', and there is no sound scientific basis for establishing a causal link.

The review comes after former US President Donald Trump last September linked the common painkiller (known as Tylenol in the US) to a 'staggering increase' in autism cases, urging pregnant women to 'resist' and not take it. His words triggered harsh reactions from the international scientific community and autism associations, which accused Trump of spreading disinformation.

According to the study's co-author, Professor Shakila Thangaratinam of the University of Liverpool, 'pregnant women should not deprive themselves of paracetamol when necessary to manage fever or pain'. Not treating fever, she adds, may expose them to more serious risks, such as premature birth or foetal complications.

The researchers pointed out that many previous studies did not take into account shared family, genetic and environmental factors that could explain the alleged association between drug use and neurodevelopmental disorders. In one of the reviews analysed, the effect disappeared completely after taking genetics and family environment into account.

'Available evidence does not show a clear link between in utero exposure to paracetamol and autism or Adhd,' the review concludes. The authors call for investment in high-quality studies and for closing the gender gap in drug research: pregnant women, who are often excluded from clinical trials, still remain an underrepresented population.

In the meantime, the message for doctors and mothers-to-be is clear: paracetamol remains the recommended over-the-counter drug for managing pain and fever in pregnancy, as long as it is not abused and taken only when necessary.