### Paracetamol Use During Pregnancy: Debunking the Autism Link Recent claims made by former US President Donald Trump regarding the use of paracetamol (known as acetaminophen or Tylenol) during pregnancy and its alleged link to autism have been thoroughly debunked by a comprehensive review published in *The Lancet*. This review consolidates findings from 43 studies, providing robust evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy does not increase the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities in children. The study aims to reassure expectant mothers about the safety of this commonly used medication. ### Understanding the Claims and the Research Structure 1. **Trump's Assertions**: In September 2025, Trump suggested that pregnant women should avoid paracetamol, citing a "meteoric rise" in autism cases as a potential consequence of its use [https://news.sky.com/story/trump-claim-linking-paracetamol-use-during-pregnancy-to-autism-debunked-by-review-13495227]. 2. **The Lancet Review**: The recent meta-analysis published in *The Lancet* systematically reviewed existing literature and concluded that there is no causal relationship between paracetamol use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders in children [https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/no-link-between-paracetamol-use-in-pregnancy-and-disability-in-children-review-finds/a367902478.html]. 3. **Expert Consensus**: Medical experts, including those from Ireland and other countries, have echoed the findings of the review, emphasizing that paracetamol remains a safe option for pain relief and fever reduction during pregnancy [https://www.irishtimes.com/health/2026/01/17/paracetamol-pregnancy-study-contradicts-trump-claims-on-autism-link]. ### Supporting Evidence from the Study - **Study Scope**: The review analyzed data from 43 studies, focusing on those with rigorous methodologies, including sibling comparisons to control for genetic and environmental factors [https://www.deccanchronicle.com/news/no-evidence-that-paracetamol-increases-autism-risk-says-analysis-of-robust-studies-1930905]. - **Key Findings**: - No evidence linking paracetamol to autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities [https://www.breakingnews.ie/ireland/no-link-between-taking-paracetamol-during-pregnancy-and-children-developing-autism-research-shows-1854189.html]. - The study reinforces global medical guidelines that endorse the use of paracetamol as a first-line treatment for pain and fever in pregnant women [https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/science/is-there-a-connection-between-paracetamol-and-autism/story]. ### Conclusion: Reassurance for Expectant Mothers In summary, the recent comprehensive review has **clearly established that paracetamol is safe for use during pregnancy**, countering previous claims made by Trump. The findings can be summarized as follows: 1. **No Link Established**: There is no evidence that paracetamol increases the risk of autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders in children. 2. **Expert Endorsement**: Medical professionals worldwide support the findings, reinforcing the drug's safety profile. 3. **Public Health Implications**: The study aims to alleviate concerns among pregnant women regarding the use of paracetamol, ensuring they have access to safe pain relief options during pregnancy. Expectant mothers can feel reassured that they can safely use paracetamol for managing pain and fever without the fear of increasing autism risk in their children [https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/health/paracetamol-is-safe-in-pregnancy-says-study-refuting-trump-autism-claims.html].