• A major review concludes acetaminophen use during pregnancy does not increase autism or ADHD risks.
• The findings support existing guidance from reputable medical organizations regarding the safe use of acetaminophen.
• Controversial claims linking acetaminophen to autism made by President Trump were firmly rebutted by this new evidence.
• Researchers utilized a sibling-comparison approach in the analysis, enhancing the study's reliability.
• Health officials stress the importance of treating pain and fever in pregnant women with acetaminophen.

A new meta-analysis published in the journal The Lancet reviews numerous studies and concludes that the use of acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol or by the brand name Tylenol, during pregnancy does not increase the risk of autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or intellectual disabilities in children. The review, described as "the best available human evidence," supports existing recommendations from major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, affirming the safety of acetaminophen when used as directed during pregnancy, according to ABC News, CBS News, and BBC.

The review encompassed over 60 studies, primarily focusing on sibling-comparison data. This robust methodology allowed researchers to separate the effects of acetaminophen from genetic and environmental factors associated with the mother, strengthening their conclusions. As Dr. Asma Khalil, the study's co-author, emphasizes, “the clearest takeaway is that the best-quality evidence does not support a causal link between taking paracetamol during pregnancy and autism or ADHD in children,” according to ABC News, CBS News, and BBC.

The controversy surrounding acetaminophen's safety escalated following claims made by President Trump, suggesting a link between the drug and autism; however, experts and medical groups have consistently refuted these statements. Trump's assertions sparked public confusion and prompted the new review aimed at clarifying the drug's safety for pregnant women, which is crucial for managing conditions such as pain and fever that could adversely affect both the mother and fetus if left untreated, according to ABC News, CBS News, and BBC.

Critics of Trump's assertions highlight the potential medical risks of untreated symptoms, which may include serious complications for both the fetus and the pregnant individual. Dr. Céline Gounder, a medical contributor for CBS News, stated that evidence underscores acetaminophen as "the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women," reinforcing existing medical guidance, according to ABC News, CBS News, and BBC.

While concerns regarding acetaminophen use have been noted by some health authorities, the consensus from a range of studies emphasizes a lack of evidence linking the medication to developmental disorders. The recent analysis aims to quell misinformation by demonstrating that any previously suggested associations between acetaminophen and developmental issues likely stem from confounding factors such as maternal health conditions rather than direct effects of the drug itself, according to ABC News, CBS News, and BBC.