Published on 24 September 2025
On 22 September 2025, Donald Trump stated that pregnant women “should not take” paracetamol, claiming an increased risk of autism in the child. What do the scientific studies cited in the provided bibliography actually show?
Publications specifically analysing paracetamol use during pregnancy emphasise its status as a reference analgesic and the absence of conclusive signals for severe neurodevelopmental outcomes. A recent review indeed describes paracetamol as the “preferred” analgesic and antipyretic in pregnant women and notes that it is widely used in this context (Tadokoro-Cuccaro et al., 2022).
Some studies investigate potential biological mechanisms of the drug, including its interactions with hormonal or metabolic pathways. For example, work has examined endocrine-disrupting effects linked to acetaminophen, but without putting forward direct conclusions about autism (Hernandez-Moreno et al., 2022). These data are exploratory and do not allow a causal link to be established with neurodevelopmental disorders.
To place paracetamol among other painkillers, a broader synthesis on over-the-counter medicines during pregnancy recalls that commonly used analgesics—including paracetamol— are regularly re-evaluated for safety, yet robust evidence regarding long-term risks remains limited and heterogeneous (Hendrickson et al., 2020). Once again, none of the findings specifically support a link with autism.
Other publications in the bibliography focus on broader aspects of pregnancy management and treatment safety without directly addressing paracetamol. They nonetheless frame the overall issue: protecting maternal health while ensuring a coherent benefit–risk balance for the fetus (Al-Abdullah et al., 2023; Guseva et al., 2024; Stulberger et al., 2025). These articles highlight the complexity of perinatal pharmacology, without providing data that support the publicly stated hypothesis.
In summary: what does science show?
The available references document no established link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism risk. They confirm that the drug is widely used, is the subject of active research, and that some studies explore potential biological mechanisms—but without affirmative conclusions on a link with neurodevelopmental disorders.
Sources used
- Al-Abdullah, M. et al. (2023). The problem of a personalized approach in treating pregnant women…
- Guseva, E. et al. (2024). Pharmacological safety of antiepileptic drugs…
- Hendrickson, S. et al. (2020). Over-the-counter analgesics during pregnancy…
- Hernandez-Moreno, D. et al. (2022). Acetaminophen interferes with…
- Stulberger, R. et al. (2025). Balancing maternal and fetal safety in pregnancy management…
- Tadokoro-Cuccaro, R. et al. (2022). Maternal Paracetamol Intake During Pregnancy—Is It Safe?