Former President Donald Trump has made waves and stirred controversy this week with his new views on the use of paracetamol in pregnancy. He claimed that taking this commonly used pain relief medication could be linked to the development of autism in infants. His statement has sent shockwaves through the health professional and research communities. That concern is only compounded by a recent discovery that this finding directly contradicts the same type of claims made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
In 2024, the most comprehensive study to-date was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). It looked at over 2 million live-born children between 1995 and 2019. The beauty of this research was its novel approach of using sibling comparison. In our study, one mother used paracetamol once in one pregnancy and not in the other. Paracetamol exposure during pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of autism, the study concluded. It further concluded that there is no causal link to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or intellectual disabilities in children.
The Study’s Findings
The Swedish study used a rigorous and robust methodology. It delivered some killer evidence that refutes the worst assumptions proclaimed by Trump and others opposed to paracetamol use. By looking at data from siblings, researchers hoped to rule out many variables that may confound results. This design enabled the best possible understanding of the effects of paracetamol in pregnancy without the confounding influence of other factors.
The results presented by this multi-million dollar research initiative are noteworthy. Paracetamol is currently listed as “Pregnancy Category A” in Australia. That’s important because it means that pregnant women can safely use the drug to manage pain and fever. This classification means that mothers can safely take this medicine while pregnant and know there’s no risk to the fetus. There’s no evidence that suggests anything to the contrary.
Despite the clarity offered by this research, Trump’s rhetoric has contributed to a growing fear around the use of medications in pregnancy. His recommendation that women should just “tough it out” rather than rely on medication is extremely concerning. More importantly, it should raise alarm bells about how we’re treating expectant mothers who are suffering from debilitating pain. This guidance can result in women going without the treatment they need, endangering their health in the process.
Implications of Misleading Statements
Together, Trump’s words shine a light on a very dangerous cultural narrative. They propose that neurodivergence—conditions like autism—is a big mistake or a bad thing. RFK Jr. is no different, arguing that the diagnosis of neurodivergence is one of the most horrible things that can happen to a person. His rhetoric really does suggest that he thinks this, though.
The impact of this kind of rhetoric goes far beyond the personal—it can help change the narrative about public health and affect health policy. The Trump administration emphasized the importance of figuring out these so-called “root causes” of autism. Yet at the same time, they actively advanced many narratives that were likely to stigmatize neurodiversity. This confusing clashing messaging makes it harder to work toward acceptance and inclusion of people with diverse neurological profiles.
Additionally, the average length of time for a woman to get diagnosed with endometriosis is up to seven years. Women often report being ignored by the medical establishment when they go looking for answers. This is particularly the case for nonemergent conditions such as pelvic pain, menorrhagia, dysparuenia. This mockery can prevent women from pursuing necessary medical advice or intervention, and that can be deadly. When paired with social stigmas surrounding women’s health, the effects are compounded.
The Importance of Evidence-Based Medicine
The hullabaloo over Trump’s remarks highlights the importance of understanding correlation versus causation. It’s not surprising that most people will make causal links between multiple elements from anecdotal experience or personal ideology, not empirical data. Researchers stress the need to let evidence-based medicine—the real hard data—lead healthcare decision-making.
We can’t ignore what the JAMA study has shown us so far. Consequently, healthcare providers recommend that pregnant people have clear, evidence-based conversations with patients about medication use. The most important thing for expectant mothers to know is that paracetamol has been found to be safe based on decades of research. Misinformation surrounding the use of medication to manage pain during pregnancy can cause excessive fear and encourage dangerous decisions.
In case you missed it, The Health Report explored these critical issues recently on ABC Radio National. … unprecedented urgency to ensure clear communication and guidance surrounding medication safety impacts on maternal health. We call on leaders—both elected officials and other public figures—to understand and take responsibility for how their words can endanger public health and wellbeing.
