Study Confirms Paracetamol/Tylenol Safe During Pregnancy Despite Trump Autism Claims

• Sibling comparison studies of more than 260,000 children for autism and over 335,000 for ADHD showed no significant link to paracetamol use during pregnancy
• The research team specifically addressed Trump's September claims by focusing on high-quality studies that account for bias and confounding factors often present in earlier research
• Paracetamol remains the only pain reliever considered safe for pregnant women, with doctors advising use of the smallest dose for the shortest time necessary

Summary: Study Confirms Paracetamol Safety During Pregnancy, Contradicting Trump Autism Claims

Key Findings:

European researchers published a comprehensive review in *The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health* confirming that paracetamol (Tylenol/acetaminophen) is safe for use during pregnancy, directly contradicting claims made by President Donald Trump in September linking the drug to autism.

Study Details:

• Researchers conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies, focusing on high-quality evidence
• Three large sibling-comparison studies examined over 260,000 children for autism and 335,000-405,000 for ADHD and intellectual disabilities
• No significant link found between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability
• Sibling studies compared children born to the same mother who took the drug during one pregnancy but not another, controlling for genetic and environmental factors

Lead Researcher Statement:

Professor Asma Khalil from City St George's, University of London, stated: "The key message is reassurance: When used as recommended, the best available evidence does not support a causal link with autism, ADHD or intellectual disability."

Clinical Context:

Paracetamol is the only pain reliever considered safe during pregnancy. Medical guidance recommends using the smallest effective dose for the shortest duration to manage pain and fever, which can pose risks to both mother and baby if left untreated.

Market Implications:

The study provides scientific support for continued use of paracetamol-based products during pregnancy, potentially protecting manufacturers like Johnson & Johnson (Tylenol) from reputational damage following presidential claims that healthcare professionals had previously criticized as non-evidence-based.