What's happened
A comprehensive review published in The Lancet finds no evidence linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities. The findings counter recent claims by US officials and political figures suggesting a risk, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based guidance for expectant mothers.
What's behind the headline?
The recent review in The Lancet decisively dismisses the alleged link between paracetamol and autism or ADHD, emphasizing that high-quality studies, such as sibling comparisons, show no causal relationship. This refutes earlier, biased studies that suggested risks, often prone to confounding factors like maternal health or genetic predispositions.
The political timing of the claims, especially from US figures, appears aimed at fueling vaccine and medication skepticism amid broader debates on autism causes. The review underscores that genetics remain the primary risk factor for autism, with environmental factors like maternal fever or pain being more relevant than medication use.
This development should reinforce public health messaging: expectant mothers can safely use paracetamol as recommended, without undue fear. The controversy highlights how misinformation can distort scientific consensus, potentially leading to harmful behaviors such as avoiding necessary medication. Moving forward, policymakers and health professionals must prioritize evidence-based guidance to prevent unnecessary anxiety and health risks during pregnancy.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that recent claims by Trump and Kennedy about paracetamol and autism are unfounded, citing a review in The Lancet that found no strong evidence of a link. Politico highlights that the review focused on rigorous studies, including sibling comparisons, which control for genetic and familial factors, and found no causal relationship. The White House and European health authorities have dismissed the claims, emphasizing the importance of scientific consensus. The New York Times quotes Dr. Asma Khalil, who states that the evidence shows no clinically important increase in neurodevelopmental risks from paracetamol use during pregnancy. All sources agree that the politicization of this issue has caused unnecessary stress for expectant mothers, and that current evidence supports the safe use of paracetamol in pregnancy.
How we got here
Recent claims by former US President Donald Trump and officials like Robert F. Kennedy Jr suggested a link between paracetamol and neurodevelopmental disorders. These claims prompted widespread concern and media coverage, despite lacking scientific support. The new review consolidates existing high-quality research, including sibling comparison studies, to clarify the safety profile of paracetamol during pregnancy.
Go deeper
More on these topics
-
Paracetamol, also known as acetaminophen, is a medication used to treat pain and fever. It is typically used for mild to moderate pain relief. Evidence is mixed for its use to relieve fever in children. It is often sold in combination with other medicatio
-
Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
-
The Lancet is a weekly peer-reviewed general medical journal. It is among the world's oldest and best-known general medical journals.