Tylenol Pregnancy: Trump’s Claim on Autism Sparks Medical Pushback

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that taking Tylenol during pregnancy could be linked to autism. He made the claim at the White House, despite no conclusive scientific evidence supporting it. The announcement quickly drew strong reactions from medical experts.

Trump told reporters that the FDA would begin warning doctors about acetaminophen, Tylenol’s active ingredient. He said it may pose “a very increased risk” of autism when used in pregnancy. Health authorities and doctors, however, rejected the claim as unsupported.

What We Know About Tylenol Pregnancy and Autism

Autism is a complex developmental condition influenced by genetics and multiple environmental factors. Decades of studies have found no causal link between vaccines, Tylenol, and autism. Medical bodies such as the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine in the U.S. continue to recommend acetaminophen as the safest option for fever or pain in pregnancy, when taken in recommended doses.

Independent experts stress that untreated fevers in pregnancy carry real risks, including miscarriage and preterm birth. Ibuprofen, another common painkiller, is not recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy due to potential complications. For many patients, Tylenol remains the only safe choice. A major Swedish study involving more than two million children also found no evidence that the drug itself was responsible for autism diagnoses.

Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, released a statement saying science shows acetaminophen does not cause autism. They expressed concern that Trump’s message could harm pregnant women by discouraging appropriate treatment for pain or fever.

Why the Claim Matters

Trump’s remarks revive fears that have been long debunked. Public health experts worry that such claims may erode trust in safe medical practices and spread confusion among families. Physicians note that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence, which Trump did not provide.

While autism diagnoses have increased over decades, experts attribute this to broader diagnostic criteria and greater awareness. Doctors emphasize that autism is primarily genetic, with hundreds of genes involved. Environmental factors may play a role, but acetaminophen has not been shown to be one of them.

The debate over Tylenol pregnancy use highlights the danger of mixing politics with health advice. For now, medical authorities continue to recommend acetaminophen as the safest choice when medically needed during pregnancy.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Is Tylenol safe during pregnancy?

Yes, medical experts say Tylenol is safe in pregnancy when used in recommended doses for fever or pain.

Q2: Can Tylenol cause autism?

No. Studies show no causal evidence linking Tylenol use in pregnancy with autism.

Q3: What did Trump say about Tylenol?

Trump claimed Tylenol use in pregnancy could raise autism risk, but experts strongly disagree.

Q4: What are the risks of untreated fever in pregnancy?

Untreated fever can increase risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, and other complications.

Q5: What alternatives to Tylenol exist?

Ibuprofen is not recommended after 20 weeks, making Tylenol the safest option for many pregnant patients.

References

Reuters. (2025). Trump claims Tylenol linked to autism in pregnancy.

Associated Press. (2025). Medical experts push back on Tylenol pregnancy claim.

BBC News. (2025). Scientists dispute link between acetaminophen and autism.