SA Medical Experts Respond to Trump’s Paracetamol Claims in Pregnancy

South African medical associations have stepped in to set the record straight after United States (US) President Donald Trump claimed that pregnant women should avoid taking Tylenol (acetaminophen, known as paracetamol in many countries, including South Africa). During a press conference at the White House on 22 September 2025, Trump warned that taking Tylenol during pregnancy could increase the risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.

The Society of Obstetric Medicine South Africa (SOOMSA), the South African Society for Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (SASUOG) and the South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (SASOG) released a joint statement, giving a clear message that aims to reassure expectant mothers and healthcare providers about this widely used painkiller.

Trump’s Warning and the Scientific Context

Trump said, “Don’t take Tylenol,” arguing that the common painkiller may increase the risk of autism in children when used during pregnancy. 

While his warning drew attention, experts quickly pointed out that the evidence does not back him up.

Most studies on the topic are observational, meaning they can detect associations but cannot prove causation. Researchers have long cautioned that other factors (like genetics, pre-existing health conditions, or lifestyle) may explain why children develop autism, not paracetamol itself.

For example, a Swedish sibling-comparison study found that once family and genetic background were taken into account, the suggested link between paracetamol use and autism virtually disappeared. In other words, there’s no solid scientific proof that the medicine causes autism.

South African Medical Bodies Respond

In South Africa, the three leading organisations (SOOMSA, SASUOG and SASOG) came together to dispel Trump’s suggestion.

In their joint statement, they said:

“In agreement with position statements from several international bodies, we confirm that there is no evidence that taking paracetamol in pregnancy at recommended therapeutic doses causes autism in children.”

Referencing the Swedish study, the groups acknowledged that earlier studies had reported links, but they emphasised that these were weak and likely due to distortion. Their position was firm: “Comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses confirm this conclusion: once unmeasured confounding is considered, there is no meaningful increase in ASD risk. Together, the evidence strongly suggests that earlier reported associations were explained by confounding rather than a causal effect of paracetamol.”

The medical societies also underlined that paracetamol is still the first choice for pregnant women who need to treat pain or fever.

“Paracetamol remains the safest and most effective first-line treatment for fever and pain in pregnancy,” the statement read.

Risks of Avoiding Treatment

The organisations also warned about the dangers of avoiding paracetamol altogether because of misinformation. Untreated fever in pregnancy has been linked to serious outcomes, including miscarriage, congenital malformations, preterm labour and even stillbirth.

As the statement explained: “Fever in pregnancy is associated with increased risks of miscarriage, congenital anomalies, preterm birth and fetal demise.”

They also pointed out that leaving severe pain untreated can have ripple effects on maternal mental health, which in turn affects both mother and child. “Untreated pain during pregnancy has a significant impact on maternal mental well-being and pregnancy outcomes,” the associations noted.

What This Means for Pregnant Women

The bottom line from South Africa’s leading maternal health experts is that pregnant women should not be alarmed by Trump’s remarks. They can continue to use paracetamol if needed, but always within the recommended dosage and ideally under the advice of their healthcare provider. 

The societies were clear in their guidance to healthcare professionals: “There should be no change in current clinical practice regarding the use of paracetamol in pregnancy.”

Medical bodies stressed the importance of balance. Avoiding treatment based on unverified claims could pose more risk than benefit. Pregnant women are encouraged to discuss any concerns with their doctor rather than relying on sensational headlines