Shockwaves across the medical community: On September 22, 2025, US President Donald Trump asserted that paracetamol use during pregnancy is linked to autism. This claim swiftly met a wall of scientific refutation across Australia.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), and numerous health figures like Dr Elisha Broom and Prof Michael Kidd, condemned the assertion. They reaffirmed that paracetamol remains pregnancy category A, signifying its safety during pregnancy.
The Danger of Misinformation: Experts expressed concerns over the potential fallout of such claims, which could deter pregnant women from using necessary medications for pain and fever. “Unmanaged fever could lead to pregnancy complications,” warned Dr Broom.
Prof Paul Kelly criticized Trump’s statements as “mal-information,” potentially spreading fear without scientific proof. Australian Medical Association President, Dr Danielle McMullen, urged women to prioritize advice from medical professionals over misleading information originating from political sources.
The Evidence Speaks: Recent studies, including a broad review of 46 studies by Harvard and Mount Sinai, noted an observational link but refuted causation. The JAMA 2024 study, encompassing 2.5 million Swedish children, further debunked any connection between paracetamol and autism.
As misinformation risks undermining public trust in well-established medical advice, Australian experts stress the importance of informed healthcare decisions based on robust scientific evidence, not on political rhetoric.