Systematic Review Shows No Evidence of Link Between Acetaminophen and Autism
Claims that the use of acetaminophen/paracetamol while pregnant is linked to autism have been effectively disproved through a rigorous review and meta-analysis of current evidence.
A major new review, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health, has effectively disproved claims that taking acetaminophen/paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children (1). The findings directly contradict a high‑profile political statement made by President Donald Trump, alongside senior U.S. government health officials, in September 2025, where he used a White House press briefing to link rising autism rates to acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy. The announcement was also tied to plans by the U.S. government to change FDA labelling and promote leucovorin as a treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (2).
To investigate potential associations between acetaminophen/paracetamol and ASD, a systematic review and meta-analysis of 43 studies has been performed by a group of researchers. The review paper — which assessed studies on prenatal paracetamol exposure and child neurodevelopment, prioritizing the most rigorous studies and applying formal bias tools to downgrade weaker evidence — was published in The LancetObstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health as an online, open access article on Jan. 16, 2026 (1).
Overall, the evidence collated through the research demonstrated that prenatal acetaminophen/paracetamol use was not associated with higher risks of autism (1). The authors of the review paper concluded that small risk signals reported in earlier, more basic observational work are best explained by confounding factors such as maternal illness, genetics, and other environmental influences, rather than any direct toxic effect of the drug.
“Paracetamol remains safe to use during pregnancy,” said Dr. Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (the UK’s regulatory body), responding to study in an agency news release (3). “This large-scale analysis of the evidence found no link between taking paracetamol during pregnancy and autism, ADHD, or disability in children.”
“It’s good to see this new research, which adds to the body of already-robust evidence showing that paracetamol is safe to use during pregnancy when taken as recommended,” confirmed Professor Victoria Tzortziou-Brown, Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners in response to the study (4). “Our advice to patients has not changed; pregnant women should feel confident taking paracetamol when they need it and should speak to a healthcare professional if they have any concerns.”
References
D'Antonio, F.; Flacco, M.E.; Della Valle, L.; et al. Prenatal Paracetamol Exposure and Child Neurodevelopment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Lancet Obstet. Gynaecol. Womens Health, Online First, Jan. 16, 2026.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. President Trump, Secretary Kennedy Announce Bold Actions to Tackle Autism Epidemic. Press Release, Sept. 22, 2025.
MHRA. MHRA Statement on New Review of Paracetamol Safety During Pregnancy. GOV.UK, News Release, Jan. 17, 2026.
Royal College of General Practitioners. RCGP Response to Research on Safety of Paracetamol Use in Pregnancy. News Release, Jan. 19, 2026.