Trump brings back controversial autism-vaccine claims
23 Sep 2025
Associate Professor John Kramer, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests in ADHD, ASD and Neurodiversity, says recent claims from the US linking paracetamol use during pregnancy to autism could affect Australian GPs and their patients.
President Donald Trump recently cited studies suggesting a potential link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and an increased risk of children being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD. However, health experts emphasise that these studies do not prove a causal link, and the claims have been widely dismissed as “baseless”.
“The announcement is going to confuse people,” Associate Professor Kramer told newsGP. “It’s an example of creating a media storm, but it’s dangerous because it may unnecessarily scare parents.” He noted that autism is primarily genetic, with some environmental factors, and the research Trump cited is based on poor science, conflicting with a larger Swedish study.
The Swedish study, published in 2024 by Ahlqvist et al., looked at 2.5 million children and found no association between paracetamol exposure during pregnancy and offspring neurodivergence when key factors were accounted for, including parental neurodivergence and sibling relationships.
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) also criticised the White House claims, noting that earlier studies only showed statistical associations, not causation.
Associate Professor Kramer says GPs’ responses will depend on the existing relationship with their patients. “For patients a GP knows well, reassurance that there is no evidence may be enough. Others may need to see the larger body of research.” He also warned that some patients may be reminded of the debunked claims made by Andrew Wakefield linking vaccines to autism.
RACGP Vice-President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman said the White House claims are likely to prompt questions in GP clinics in Australia. She stressed the importance of weighing any potential risk against the dangers of untreated fever in pregnancy, which can lead to miscarriage or birth defects.
“The best advice is to speak with a trusted GP who knows your medical history,” Dr Raman said.
Associate Professor Kramer added that, despite hopes the story will fade, he expects it will continue to cause anxiety and misinformation. “People may think, rationally, that it can’t be true, but not everyone is a rational thinker. This is likely to sow doubt and fear without any basis,” he said.
Source: newsGP
