London: A major scientific review has found no clear evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy increases the risk of autism or ADHD in children — countering repeated and controversial claims made by US President Donald Trump.

The findings were published Monday in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) following an “umbrella review” — a comprehensive analysis of all existing studies on the topic. The review concluded that “existing evidence does not show a clear link between in utero exposure to paracetamol and autism or ADHD in offspring.”

Trump’s False Claim and Medical Backlash
In September, President Trump claimed that paracetamol (acetaminophen) was linked to higher autism rates and urged pregnant women to “tough it out” rather than take pain relief. His remarks were condemned by health experts, who warned that such misinformation could deter women from using one of the safest painkillers during pregnancy and further stigmatize autistic people.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also reiterated that there is no robust scientific evidence showing paracetamol causes autism.

Flaws in Earlier Studies
Some earlier research suggested a possible connection between paracetamol use and autism or ADHD. However, the BMJ review found that those studies were of “low to critically low” quality, failing to account for key factors such as genetic predisposition. Moreover, they did not establish how or why paracetamol could cause such effects.

The authors called for more investment in women’s health research, noting that the area remains historically underfunded.

Experts Welcome the Findings
Medical experts have welcomed the new review as a confirmation of long-standing consensus.

“This review confirms what experts around the world have been saying,” said Professor Dimitrios Siassakos of University College London.
Dr. Steven Kapp, an autistic researcher at the University of Portsmouth, added, “Paracetamol doesn’t cause neurodivergence. Rather than trying to prevent it, we should focus on improving the lives of neurodivergent people.”

Background on Autism Rates
Both Trump and his Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for their vaccine skepticism, have made unfounded claims about an “autism epidemic.” Experts, however, attribute rising autism diagnoses to improved diagnostic tools, broader criteria, and greater public awareness — not to vaccines or painkillers.

The BMJ review’s findings reaffirm that paracetamol remains a safe and trusted option for pain relief during pregnancy when used appropriately.