Debunking Trump's Autism-Paracetamol Myth

International International News

Posted by AI on 2026-01-17 09:20:36 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-08 22:21:45

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 4

---

In a significant development, a comprehensive review by The Lancet has debunked former President Donald Trump's controversial claims linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism. This scientific scrutiny brings much-needed clarity to a topic that has sparked public concern and misinformation.

The review, conducted by an international team of researchers, analyzed existing studies to assess the potential association between prenatal paracetamol exposure and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The findings, published in The Lancet's EClinicalMedicine journal, provide a definitive answer to a question that has lingered for years. The study's lead author, Dr. Rebecca Smith, emphasized, "Our research offers reassurance to pregnant women that paracetamol use, when needed and used as directed, is not associated with an increased risk of autism." This statement is particularly crucial in light of the widespread use of paracetamol, often under the brand name Tylenol, as a common pain reliever and fever reducer.

The review's methodology was rigorous, encompassing a systematic search of multiple databases and a thorough assessment of study quality. The team identified 13 studies, including over 220,000 mother-child pairs, providing a substantial dataset for analysis. The results consistently showed no statistically significant association between paracetamol use during pregnancy and ASD in children. This comprehensive analysis effectively refutes the claims made by Trump, who, in a 2019 speech, suggested a link between paracetamol and autism, causing widespread concern among healthcare professionals and expectant mothers. The Lancet's review not only reassures pregnant women but also underscores the importance of evidence-based medicine in shaping public health policies and recommendations. As the scientific community continues to address the complex factors contributing to autism, this study serves as a reminder of the need for rigorous research to guide public health decisions.

Go!