Donald Trump’s claim that Tylenol use in pregnancy may cause autism has ignited fierce backlash from medical experts, who warn the advice could put mothers and babies at risk. Decades of research show acetaminophen remains the safest option during pregnancy, with scientists stressing that autism is influenced by complex genetic and environmental factors, not a single over-the-counter drug.
President Donald Trump announced Monday that the US Food and Drug Administration would notify doctors that acetaminophen, or Tylenol, during pregnancy could be linked to an “increased risk of autism,” despite decades of evidence showing it is safe. Speaking at the White House with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, Trump recommended women limit Tylenol use unless medically necessary, suggesting fevers could be tolerated if possible. Experts warn that untreated fevers and pain during pregnancy carry serious risks for both mother and fetus, including miscarriage, birth defects, and high blood pressure.
Acetaminophen is widely recognized as the safest over-the-counter option for pain or fever during pregnancy. Other common pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, can increase the risk of complications. Research, including a 2024 Swedish study of over 2 million children, found no association between acetaminophen and autism. While some reviews suggest a possible correlation, they stress that association does not prove causation. Pediatric and obstetric experts criticized the announcement, saying it could mislead parents and create unnecessary fear.
Trump also questioned standard childhood vaccinations, including delaying the hepatitis B shot, despite extensive evidence that vaccines do not cause autism. The FDA said it will update Tylenol labeling and send guidance to clinicians, emphasizing parental choice. Tylenol manufacturer Kenvue strongly rejected claims that acetaminophen causes autism, highlighting the risks of untreated pain or fever.
The administration also announced FDA approval of leucovorin, a high-dose folinic acid, as the first medication recognized for autism treatment in children, and NIH committed $50 million to 13 new autism research projects. Experts stress autism is highly complex, influenced by genetics and environment, and no single chemical or drug causes it. Doctors warned that advising pregnant individuals to “tough out” symptoms is dangerous and unsupported by evidence. The rising prevalence of autism reflects broader diagnostic criteria, increased awareness, and improved screening rather than a single environmental cause.
