The claims have resulted in frustration from medical professionals and scientists around the world with many saying it is not true and continuing to recommend paracetamol as the main painkiller for pregnant woman.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has since got in on the act alongside his friend in America, and compared it to when thalidomide was believed to be a safe drug.
But what was said and is there any truth in the situation?
What did Donald Trump say?
Donald Trump first told people at the memorial for Charlie Kirk on Saturday that the US had ‘found the answer for autism’.
He then held a press conference where he blamed it on Tylenol, which is paracetamol. He did not provide any evidence for his claim that paracetamol taken by mothers during pregnancy caused autism.
He said: “I want to say it like it is, don’t take Tylenol. Don’t take it.”
He also said Cuba had no autism because they cannot afford Tylenol by commenting: “In Cuba, they don’t have Tylenol because they don’t have the money for Tylenol. They have no autism. Tell me about that one.”
This has since been proven to be incorrect with Cuba having higher rates per 10,000 children than the United States with a rate of 83.30 compared to 80.90.
What have Tylenol said?
The producers of Tylenol had their own comments to make it on the situation and said: “Acetaminophen [the active ingredient in Tylenol, known in the UK as paracetamol] is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy.
“Without it, women face dangerous choices: suffer through conditions like fever that are potentially harmful to both mom and baby or use riskier alternatives.
“The facts are that over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism.
“We stand with the many public health and medical professionals who have reviewed this science and agree. We will continue to explore all options to protect the health interests of American women and children.”
What did Nigel Farage say?
The Reform leader was asked about the situation on LBC and compared it to when it was believed thalidomide was a ‘very safe drug’.
He also said Mr Trump has a ‘particular thing about autism’.
He refused to give his own view on the matter and preferred to sit on the fence by continuing: “I wouldn’t, when it comes to science, I don’t side with anybody.
“I don’t side with anybody because science is never settled, and we should remember that.
“That’s an opinion he’s got. It’s not one that I necessarily share. But I mean, honestly, I’ve no idea.”
What do Scotland’s politicians say?
John Swinney has come out and been critical of both Mr Trump and Mr Farage for his views on the situation, and insists the Scottish Government will continue to follow the scientific advice rather than listen to what the US president had to say on the situation.
He said: “The Health Secretary on our part and various other clinical advisors around the world have made it absolutely clear that there is no such connection and that the appropriate and safe use of paracetamol is entirely appropriate within pregnancy.
“This is just recklessness. When I look at the progress that’s been made on vaccination programmes over my lifetime where conditions that were prevalent have been essentially extinguished.
“Polio to a large extent has been extinguished as a consequence of vaccination programmes – huge health achievements made as a consequence.
“I think we’ve got to follow careful, considered, scientific evidence and that’s what the Scottish Government does at all times.
“The comments that Nigel Farage makes today are completely reckless.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray has also spoken about the situation and the is “no evidence to say that paracetamol is anything other than safe”.
He also criticised the president for putting extra anxiety on expecting mothers.
What do the experts say?
UK health officials have been quick to ensure that messaging around paracetamol remains the same and that it continues to be the recommended painkiller made available to pregnant women.
Dr Zubir Ahmed, the Scottish Labour MP and UK minister for patent safety said: “For the avoidance of any doubt, Paracetamol remains the safest painkiller to take during pregnancy.”
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the MHRA, said: “Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed.
“Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy.
“Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment.
“Our advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence.”
The NHS website says: “Paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you are pregnant. It is commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby.”
Has there been any studies?
In 2024, a study of 2.4 million births in Sweden was carried out and found no causal effect of paracetamol in autism.
Dr Monique Botha, associate professor in social and developmental psychology at Durham University, said: “There are many studies which refute a link, but the most important was a Swedish study of 2.4 million births published in 2024 which used actual sibling data and found no relationship between exposure to paracetamol in utero and subsequent autism, ADHD or intellectual disability.
Studies have shown no links(Image: Maksims_Liene/ Getty)
“This suggests no causal effect of paracetamol in autism.
“Similarly, pain relief for pregnant women is woefully lacking and paracetamol is a much safer pain relief option during pregnancy than basically any other alternative and we need to take pain seriously for women, including whilst pregnant.
“The fearmongering will prevent women from accessing the appropriate care during pregnancy.
“Further, it risks stigmatising families who have autistic children as having brought it on themselves and reinvigorates the long pattern of maternal shame and blame as we’ve seen re-emerge repeatedly over the last 70 years where we try to pay the fault of autism at the mother’s door one way or another.”
Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: “Paracetamol has been used safely by millions of people for decades, including during pregnancy, when taken as directed.
“It is the first-line choice for pain management and fever control in a variety of patients, including pregnant women, children and the elderly.
“A large study conducted in 2024 found no evidence of a link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children.”
