Donald Trump’s latest health claim has triggered a sharp rebuke from Australian experts, who insist that paracetamol is safe for use during pregnancy.
The former U.S. president suggested the common pain reliever could increase the risk of autism, a claim medical professionals say is misleading and unsupported by science.
Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has moved quickly to reassure the public, confirming there are ‘no current active safety investigations’ into any link between paracetamol and autism.
Trump’s comments spark alarm
On Tuesday, Trump urged pregnant women to ‘strongly’ limit their paracetamol use unless they had an ‘extremely high fever’ they could not ‘tough out.’
Professor Andrew Whitehouse, a leading autism researcher at the Kids Research Institute Australia, called the claim a ‘misuse of science’ and ‘complete misunderstanding.’
'At best, Trump's claim is a misreading of the available research.'
What the science actually shows
Professor Whitehouse explained that while some studies have found associations between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism, others found no effect—or even the opposite.
‘Really importantly, though, what none of these studies have shown is a causal link that paracetamol taken during pregnancy causes autism, and that's why I say it could be a potential misuse of science,’ he said.
He added that autism is ‘a really complex, genetically based condition,’ noting: ‘We know that genetics is likely the cause in the vast majority of cases of autism, and there are dozens, if not hundreds, of genes that are likely to contribute to that.’
Paracetamol in Australia
Known as acetaminophen in the U.S. (e.g., Tylenol)
Common Australian brands: Panadol, Herron, Chemist’s Own
Listed as ‘Category A’ in pregnancy—considered safe when used as directed
The TGA and expert warnings
The TGA reiterated that ‘the use of medications in pregnancy is subject to clinical, scientific and toxicological evaluation at the time of registration of a medicine in Australia,’ adding: ‘The TGA has no current active safety investigations for paracetamol and autism, or paracetamol and neurodevelopmental disorders more broadly.’
Dr Hannah Kirk, a senior lecturer at Monash University’s Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, reinforced this position.
‘Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition with no known single cause. However, research shows that genetics play a large role, with hundreds of genes being linked to autism,’ she said.
Source: 7NEWS Australia / Youtube.
She explained that fever itself can cause adverse pregnancy outcomes: ‘In many cases, treating a fever with acetaminophen may reduce those risks. Pregnant people should continue to follow the advice of their healthcare providers when managing pain and fever.’
What the research says
Large-scale studies have undercut Trump’s claim. Dr Kirk pointed to an analysis of 2.48 million births, which found that when comparing siblings—thereby controlling for genetic and environmental factors—any apparent link between acetaminophen use and autism disappeared.
‘Recent suggestions that Tylenol use during pregnancy could increase the risk of autism have understandably raised concern among expectant parents,’ Dr Kirk said. ‘However, no study has shown that acetaminophen, the main ingredient in Tylenol, causes autism. Some studies have reported an association … while others have not. Importantly, association does not mean causation.’
Beyond paracetamol: Trump’s other claims
Trump has also promoted the cancer treatment drug leucovorin as a possible therapy for autism. Professor Whitehouse said the idea is premature and unproven. ‘[There have] been a handful of studies on a handful of children, so ... the findings are not entirely believable,’ he said. He added that pushing to fast-track leucovorin for autism ‘far exceeds where the science is at, at this stage.’
Safe use of paracetamol in pregnancy
- Follow dosage guidelines carefully
- Consult a doctor before prolonged use
- Use to manage fever or significant pain when needed
- Remember: Category A medicine in Australia, considered safe
What This Means For You
Medical experts stress that paracetamol remains a safe and important tool for managing pain and fever during pregnancy. Autism, they say, is a complex condition with strong genetic roots—not the result of a single medication. The TGA continues to classify paracetamol as safe, and expectant parents are urged to rely on the advice of their healthcare providers, not political statements.
What do you think—should Australia counter misinformation about medications more forcefully when high-profile figures spread claims overseas? Share your thoughts below.
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