Regulatory Authorities in Europe Reaffirm Safety of Acetaminophen for Pregnant Women Amid Controversy

LONDON — In a decisive response to recent claims made by the Trump administration regarding the safety of acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, during pregnancy, European regulators have reinforced the stance that the medication poses no risk of causing autism in children. This announcement aims to clarify any confusion that may have arisen among expecting families following President Trump’s press conference.

Despite the absence of direct references to Trump’s remarks, which cautioned against acetaminophen use in pregnancy, health authorities from the U.K. and European Union have publicly stressed the importance of this medication for managing pain and fever in pregnant women. Unmanaged pain can lead to complications that endanger both the mother and the developing fetus, emphasizing the necessity of safe medication options during this critical period.

Steffen Thirstrup, the chief medical officer at the European Medicines Agency, emphasized in a statement, “Paracetamol remains an essential treatment for pain or fever in pregnant women. Our guidance is founded on a thorough evaluation of scientific data, and we have found no credible evidence linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism in children.”

Alison Cave, the chief safety officer for the U.K.’s Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), echoed this sentiment. In her statement, she noted, “Paracetamol continues to be the recommended option for pain relief for pregnant women when used according to directions.” She further indicated that the MHRA would remain vigilant in reviewing any emerging evidence concerning potential impacts on birth outcomes.

Both regulatory bodies advise that, like any medication, acetaminophen should be taken at the minimum effective dose and for the shortest necessary duration to alleviate pain in expectant mothers.

While there exists a spectrum of opinions among experts regarding the potential risks associated with Tylenol use in pregnancy, many researchers who have scrutinized the issue remain unconvinced of any significant linkage between the use of acetaminophen and autism.

In contrast, communications from U.S. health authorities have adopted a more cautious approach. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) disclosed that it is considering updates to acetaminophen labeling to indicate a possible association between its use during pregnancy and an increased risk of neurological conditions in children. However, the agency made it clear, “While many studies suggest an association between acetaminophen and neurological conditions, a causal relationship has not been established, nor is it reflected in all scientific research.”

During his news conference, Trump escalated the conversation, openly advising against acetaminophen usage and suggesting that pregnant women should endure pain instead. “I want to say it like it is — don’t take Tylenol. Don’t take it. Fight like hell not to take it,” he proclaimed, while acknowledging there might be circumstances where its use becomes unavoidable.

Trump’s administration has pledged to investigate the reasons behind the rising rates of autism diagnoses, which experts attribute, at least in part, to increased awareness and updated diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, experts contend that the causes of autism likely involve a complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors.