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U.S. President Donald Trump has once again ignited a firestorm in the medical community, this time by suggesting, without evidence, that taking paracetamol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy could cause autism.
Speaking Monday, Trump urged pregnant women to avoid the common painkiller, saying, “Don’t take it. Grit your teeth and be patient.” He based his claim on anecdotal comparisons, noting that Cuba “has almost no autism” because it cannot afford paracetamol, and citing the Amish community, which rejects many modern medicines.
Trump’s comments come five years after his infamous suggestion that ingesting disinfectant might help treat COVID-19.
Trump appeared to struggle with pronouncing “acetaminophen,” the active ingredient in Tylenol, but repeated several times that expectant mothers should stay away from it. He offered no alternatives for treating fever or pain, conditions that can be dangerous in pregnancy if left untreated.
The president’s remarks immediately drew sharp criticism from scientists, doctors, and health authorities. The World Health Organization stressed there is no evidence linking paracetamol to autism and reminded the public that vaccines, another target of Trump’s skepticism, do not cause the disorder either.
“We know that vaccines do not cause autism. Vaccines save countless lives. This is something science has proven, and these issues should not be questioned,” said WHO spokesman Tariq Jasarevich in Geneva.
The European Medicines Agency also weighed in, reaffirming that paracetamol remains safe for use during pregnancy when taken at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible time. The agency said it continues to monitor data but sees no reason to change existing guidelines.
Trump’s comments come five years after his infamous suggestion that ingesting disinfectant might help treat COVID-19. On Monday, he also revived doubts about childhood vaccines, saying he would support changes to the immunization schedule. “I’m not a doctor, but I’m giving my opinion,” he said, adding that unlike his health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., he was “not that careful” about how he phrased such theories.
Medical experts say Trump’s words are dangerous, particularly when directed at vulnerable groups like pregnant women. “The health of millions is at stake,” one WHO official said, calling on the public to trust established science rather than rumors or speculation.
