ieExplains: What did Donald Trump say about autism and paracetamol?

Donald Trump’s unproven claim that paracetamol in pregnancy causes autism is rejected by Irish doctors, scientists, and autism advocates

US president Donald Trump said women taking paracetamol in pregnancy leads to an increasing risk of children being autistic. Picture: Evan Vucci/AP

Donald Trump advised pregnant women — without evidence — not to take paracetamol, claiming it increases the risk of children developing autism.

On Monday, he told women to “fight like hell not to take it,” referring to Tylenol, the American brand name for paracetamol.

Where did this idea come from?

Some studies have explored a possible link between paracetamol and autism, but none found evidence that the drug causes the condition.

People may recall Mr Trump suggesting in 2020 that injecting bleach into people’s lungs could cure Covid-19. That idea was quickly dismissed and never pursued.

The difference now is that he has already weakened public health structures in the US, and his views are being echoed by Health Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr.

What are American doctors being told to do?

On Tuesday, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said labels on paracetamol packs will be changed to state the drug “may be associated with an increased risk” of autism and ADHD.

However, the FDA also clarified that while some studies have described an association, none show paracetamol causes autism. Other studies found no association at all.

Will Irish doctors change their advice to pregnant women?

No. Ireland follows safety guidance from the European Medicines Agency (EMA). On Tuesday, the EMA said paracetamol “remains an important option to treat pain or fever in pregnant women.” 

It added: “Our advice is based on a rigorous assessment of the available scientific data and we have found no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.” 

Why is Mr Trump so focused on rising numbers of autistic people?

Autism is not a disease, but Mr Trump appears to treat it as something to be cured.

Studies in Ireland and elsewhere show diagnosis rates are rising, largely due to better awareness and understanding of autism.

Irish charity AsIAm said: “We welcome that improved understanding of autism has led to more people being identified as autistic.”

What else did Mr Trump say?

He again raised doubts — without evidence — about the MMR vaccine, claiming: “This is based on what I feel. The mumps, measles — the three should be taken separately.”

In response, the Irish Medical Organisation said: “There is no credible link between vaccine uptake in children and autism.”