Paracetamol and autism claims

The story so far

US President Donald Trump claimed that using paracetamol during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of autism.^{23 Sep 2025} New Zealand midwives and Medsafe rejected the claims, saying high-quality scientific evidence does not show a causal link between the medication and developmental concerns.^{23 Sep 2025} The College of Midwives and General Practice NZ chair said paracetamol remains the safest pain relief option for pregnant women and their children.^{24 Sep 2025} The Trump administration was expected to announce potential links between Tylenol and autism risk, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has described the rise in autism cases as an epidemic.^{23 Sep 2025} Health Minister Simeon Brown then said paracetamol is safe to use and does not cause autism.^{25 Sep 2025}

Latest

Health Minister Simeon Brown has stated that paracetamol is safe and does not cause autism, following Trump's claims.^{25 Sep 2025}

What's next

The Trump administration is expected to announce potential links between Tylenol and autism risk.^{23 Sep 2025}

Key moments

1. 23 Sep 2025Trump claims paracetamol use in pregnancy may be linked to autism; NZ rejects it.
2. 23 Sep 2025Medsafe and midwives say evidence shows no causal link to developmental concerns.
3. 23 Sep 2025US administration expected to announce potential Tylenol-autism links.
4. 24 Sep 2025College of Midwives and General Practice NZ chair defends paracetamol as safest pain relief.
5. 25 Sep 2025Health Minister Simeon Brown states paracetamol is safe and does not cause autism.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.