New Study Affirms Paracetamol Safety in Pregnancy Despite Controversial Trump Claims

Sun Jan 18 2026 00:59:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A recent study published in The Lancet concludes that paracetamol is safe for pregnant women and does not increase the risk of autism or ADHD in children, contradicting former President Trump's claims.

A comprehensive review published in The Lancet asserts that taking paracetamol during pregnancy is safe, dismissing concerns linking the pain relief medication to autism, ADHD, and developmental issues in children. This study comes in response to statements made by former US President Donald Trump that warned against its use. Experts affirm the study's findings, suggesting it should alleviate worries for expectant mothers. While some US health officials still express caution over acetaminophen use, the prevailing guidance among medical organizations supports its safety when used as directed.

Taking paracetamol while pregnant is safe and there's no evidence it raises the risk of autism, ADHD, and developmental issues in children, according to a major new review by health experts.

Pregnant women should feel reassured by the findings, which contradict controversial claims made by former US President Donald Trump last year, who stated that paracetamol is no good and advised pregnant women to fight like hell against taking it.

Medical organizations worldwide criticized Trump's assertions at the time. They pointed out the need for clear guidance on the use of medications during pregnancy, especially when faced with conflicting information.

Published in The Lancet, the review analyzed 43 robust studies involving hundreds of thousands of women, particularly focusing on comparisons between those who took paracetamol and those who did not. The researchers concluded that there was no link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and increased risk of autism.

When we did this analysis, we found no links, there was no association, there's no evidence that paracetamol increases the risk of autism, said the lead author, Professor Asma Khalil. She emphasized that paracetamol remains a safe option for pain relief during pregnancy when taken as directed.

While the new study aims to clarify earlier confusion caused by Trump's comments, it has faced ongoing caution from some US health officials. A spokesman from the Department of Health and Human Services highlighted ongoing expert concerns regarding acetaminophen's use during pregnancy.

Despite the mixed messages, the review reinforces guidance from major medical organizations in the UK, US, and Europe, confirming the safe use of paracetamol. Experts involved in the research urge that any previous associations between the drug and autism are likely attributable to other, non-direct factors.

According to various medical experts not affiliated with the study, the research outcome brings much-needed reassurance to pregnant women and may help alleviate undue stress associated with medication use during this sensitive period.

In conclusion, while concerns about the implications of medication use during pregnancy will always warrant cautious examination, the findings from this extensive review should significantly inform and assure public health guidance regarding the safety of paracetamol for expectant mothers.