Minister for Health Mark Butler at the National Press Club in Canberra, Wednesday, August 20, 2025. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas) NO ARCHIVING
Health Minister Mark Butler expressed concern regarding comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump that suggested a link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism in children. In response, Butler swiftly sought guidance from Australia’s medicines regulator to alleviate any confusion among pregnant women and their families.
“I was really worried when those comments first started being reported,” Butler stated in an interview with Channel Nine. He highlighted that over 200,000 pregnant women in Australia may be feeling uncertain or anxious about how to manage their health, especially if they develop a fever.
Regulatory Response to Concerns
In light of these statements, Butler contacted the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to assess the implications of the U.S. position. The TGA confirmed that paracetamol remains classified as a Category A medicine, indicating it is widely regarded as safe for use during pregnancy. The agency also clarified that there are currently no investigations regarding potential links between paracetamol and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders.
“The TGA reaffirmed the longstanding advice that Panadol is a safe drug for pregnant women, particularly for treating fever,” Butler explained. He emphasized the importance of using the medication appropriately, noting that untreated fever can pose significant risks to both the mother and the unborn child.
Butler pointed out that the United Kingdom’s regulatory body has reached a similar conclusion. He mentioned that Australian scientists and various medical organizations have strongly supported the safety of paracetamol during pregnancy.
“I don’t want pregnant women right now to feel unsure about what to do,” he reiterated. “I don’t want women who were pregnant in the past to feel uncertain or guilty about using a treatment that was previously deemed safe.”
Evidence from Global Studies
Furthermore, Butler referred to extensive studies conducted in Scandinavia and Japan, which involved millions of children and showed no causal link between paracetamol usage and any developmental issues when taken as directed. “This is a very heavily researched medicine,” he noted, adding that Australian scientists and regulators have consistently found no causal relationship between the drug and adverse outcomes when used correctly by pregnant women.
As the debate continues, Butler’s proactive approach aims to reassure the public and provide clarity on the safety of paracetamol, ensuring that women can make informed decisions regarding their health during pregnancy.
