A major international research team has found no indication that acetaminophen use during pregnancy increases the likelihood of autism or related neurodevelopmental disorders, countering months of political controversy and public anxiety. The findings, published January 16 in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women’s Health, were described by experts as the most rigorous analysis conducted on the subject to date.
The review was led by Dr. Asma Khalil, a consultant in fetal medicine at St. George’s Hospital in London, assisted by researchers from Italy and Sweden. Their goal was to settle widespread confusion following high-profile warnings issued last September by President Donald Trump and U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., during which pregnant women were told to avoid acetaminophen due to claims of a connection with autism. That announcement prompted a spike in calls to obstetric clinics as patients sought clarification.
Comprehensive Review of 43 Studies
To evaluate the alleged link, the research team analyzed thousands of studies before narrowing the field to 43 that met strict criteria. Selected studies were required to compare exposed and unexposed pregnancies, document participants’ medical histories, and rely on clinical records rather than self-reporting. After an additional quality assessment, the two strongest studies-both designed with sibling comparisons-were examined in detail. Those sibling-based studies are notable because they account for shared genetics and environmental factors.
Across all three levels of analysis, the researchers reported the same outcome: no association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability.
Medical Community Pushes Back Against Alarm
Major medical organizations moved quickly to reassure the public. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reiterated that acetaminophen remains the safest over-the-counter option for managing fever and pain during pregnancy. UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting issued similar guidance, urging the public not to base medical decisions on unsupported claims circulating online and in political arenas.
Clinicians underscore that untreated fever can carry significant risks for both the pregnant person and the fetus. Alternatives such as ibuprofen and aspirin may increase the chances of pregnancy complications, leaving acetaminophen as the preferred option for many doctors. Approximately two-thirds of pregnant women are estimated to use the medication at some point.
Debate Among Government Agencies
Not all officials embraced the Lancet findings. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services criticized the review for allegedly discounting earlier studies, including an Environmental Health review that suggested an association. Dr. Khalil responded to those critiques, saying the new paper did not ignore evidence but instead assigned weight based on methodological strength and ability to account for bias.
Independent experts without political affiliations praised the study’s design. Dr. David Mandell of the University of Pennsylvania remarked that there was “no better way to evaluate the question with currently available data,” while autism advocates said the conclusions may help end years of misplaced suspicion directed at pregnant mothers.
Shifting Focus from Blame to Support
Advocates in the neurodivergent community hope the publication marks the end of speculation about acetaminophen and developmental disabilities. Many say the recurring search for environmental explanations often results in mothers shouldering unnecessary blame-despite longstanding evidence that genetics play a more substantial role in autism risk.
The study encourages policymakers and researchers to redirect attention toward meaningful support systems for autistic individuals rather than hypothetical or disproven prevention strategies. For pregnant women, the message from clinicians remains reassuring: acetaminophen, when used according to medical guidance, continues to be considered safe for managing pain and fever during pregnancy.
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