Trump sparks widespread controversy with his warning about a common painkiller
U.S. President Donald Trump urged pregnant women to avoid using paracetamol, claiming it increases the risk of children developing autism. His warning was met with widespread and immediate rejection by doctors and health authorities, who confirmed that there is no scientific evidence supporting such claims. Experts clarified that paracetamol remains one of the safest medications for pregnant women when used appropriately.
Mike Baumer, the spokesperson for the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices in Germany (BfArM), emphasized that all medications are subject to strict oversight in various EU countries, confirming that there are no warnings related to autism associated with paracetamol. The Embryotox Institute at Charité University Hospital in Berlin also confirmed that paracetamol is a safe and scientifically proven medication for pregnant women when taken under medical supervision.
In the United States, this drug is sold under the brand name "Tylenol". Despite Trump's direct statement that "taking Tylenol is not good," scientific studies have shown otherwise. A major Swedish study conducted in 2024 included nearly 2.5 million children, of whom 180,000 had mothers who took paracetamol during pregnancy. The study found no link between the drug and autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or intellectual disabilities.
Medical experts warn that paracetamol, like other medications, should not be taken without justification or for long periods, but it remains the first choice for treating conditions such as fever or severe pain during pregnancy. In some cases, genetic or medical factors unrelated to the drug may play a role in developmental disorders, further weakening Trump's claims of a direct link.
Prominent American medical institutions have also rejected the president's statements. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) condemned the government recommendations, describing them as irresponsible and misleading. It warned that discouraging pregnant women from using paracetamol could endanger the health of mothers and children by depriving them of a safe and reliable medication. The college emphasized that there is no reliable scientific study proving a causal link between paracetamol and autism.