A major new review of existing research indicates that paracetamol is safe to take during pregnancy and does not raise the risk of autism, ADHD, or developmental issues in children, according to experts. The findings, published in a Lancet journal, contradict claims made last year by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that paracetamol "is no good" and advised pregnant women to avoid it.

The study's authors hope the rigorous review will end the debate over paracetamol's safety during pregnancy, reassuring pregnant women about its use. Medical organizations worldwide criticized Trump's views when he initially made them.

The former president's administration had claimed that paracetamol, also known as Tylenol, a common painkiller for pregnant women, could be linked to autism in children if taken during pregnancy. These claims caused confusion among women and concern among health experts, prompting the new research.

While the new review suggests paracetamol is safe, U.S. health officials maintain that "many experts" have expressed concern over its use during pregnancy. The debate highlights the challenges of interpreting complex medical research and the potential for misinformation to spread, particularly when amplified by influential figures.

The research involved a comprehensive analysis of numerous studies examining the effects of paracetamol use during pregnancy on child development. Experts assessed the quality and consistency of the evidence, concluding that there was no convincing evidence of a causal link between paracetamol and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Philippa Roxby and Jim Reed, health reporters, noted that the study's findings should reassure pregnant women. However, they also acknowledged the ongoing debate and the need for continued research to fully understand the effects of medication use during pregnancy.

The implications of this research extend beyond individual health decisions. It underscores the importance of evidence-based policymaking and the need for public health officials to communicate accurate information to the public. The incident also highlights the potential for AI-driven tools to assist in analyzing complex medical data and identifying potential risks and benefits of medications. AI algorithms can sift through vast amounts of research data, identify patterns, and provide insights that can inform clinical practice and public health recommendations.

The current status is that the study has been published in a peer-reviewed journal, adding to the body of evidence supporting the safety of paracetamol during pregnancy. Future research may focus on identifying specific subgroups of women who may be more vulnerable to the effects of paracetamol or exploring the effects of different dosages and durations of use.