Trump’s Tylenol-Autism Claim Draws Global Medical Rebuttal
In a fresh wave of controversy, U.S. President Donald Trump has ignited debate by drawing an unproven link between Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy and autism. The remarks, made during an Oval Office address on Monday, have since triggered a storm of criticism from medical professionals, health officials, and advocacy groups worldwide.
Trump stated that pregnant women should “fight like hell” to avoid the common pain reliever except in cases of high fever, calling its use “no good.” His comments echoed disputed studies suggesting a possible association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
But almost immediately, experts warned that the president’s words risked spreading dangerous misinformation. They emphasized that current evidence does not support a direct causal link between Tylenol and autism, and that the drug remains one of the safest options for managing pain and fever during pregnancy.
Medical Community Pushes Back
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) responded swiftly, calling Trump’s statement a distortion of scientific evidence.
“Studies to date show no clear proof that prudent acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes developmental issues,” said Dr. Steven Fleischman, ACOG president. “Oversimplifying autism’s causes ignores decades of research into genetic and environmental factors.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took a more measured stance, noting that while studies have observed an association in some cases, a causal relationship has not been proven. In a guidance note to doctors, the agency said Tylenol should still be considered the safest over-the-counter medication for pregnant women facing pain or fever—conditions that themselves can endanger maternal and fetal health.
“To be clear, while an association has been described in some research, there are also contrary studies in the scientific literature,” the FDA wrote.
UK and Global Reactions
Across the Atlantic, UK health officials sought to reassure the public. Health Secretary Wes Streeting dismissed Trump’s remarks, saying: “I trust doctors over President Trump, frankly, on this.”
British health authorities continue to recommend paracetamol (the UK name for acetaminophen) as the first-line painkiller during pregnancy. Similar guidance remains in place across Europe, Canada, and other regions.
Pharmaceutical manufacturer Kenvue, which produces Tylenol, also issued a strong rebuttal. In a statement to the BBC, the company said: “Science clearly shows acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned about the risks this misinformation poses for expectant mothers.”
The Research Landscape: Mixed Findings
Part of the controversy stems from conflicting research results.
- A 2023 Harvard-led review of 46 studies found that 27 showed a positive link between prenatal Tylenol use and increased risk of autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders. The authors urged caution but did not recommend a ban, noting acetaminophen’s crucial role in treating fever.
- In contrast, a 2024 Swedish population study tracking 2.4 million births between 1995 and 2019 reported no significant relationship between Tylenol exposure and autism diagnoses.
Dr. Monique Botha, professor of social and developmental psychology at Durham University, summarized the current consensus: “There is no robust evidence or convincing study proving causation. Autism’s origins are far more complex than one medication.”
Autism Rates and Ongoing Debate
Autism diagnoses have risen sharply in recent decades. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), by 2020 nearly 2.8% of eight-year-olds had been diagnosed with ASD, compared with under 1% at the start of the millennium.
Most experts attribute the increase to broader diagnostic criteria and greater awareness rather than a sudden environmental trigger. Nonetheless, researchers continue to investigate potential risk factors, ranging from genetics and prenatal health to environmental exposures.
Trump’s remarks, however, risk simplifying a complex scientific field. The National Autistic Society in the UK called his claims “irresponsible,” adding that such rhetoric devalues autistic individuals and undermines legitimate scientific inquiry.
Political and Public Health Fallout
Trump’s statement also carried political weight. Speaking alongside him, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the FDA would begin considering new warning labels for Tylenol and launch a public health campaign on its use during pregnancy.
Kennedy also suggested the agency might approve leucovorin, a drug traditionally used in chemotherapy, as a potential therapy for some children with autism linked to folate deficiencies. While preliminary research hints at benefits for communication skills, experts stressed that these findings remain early and inconclusive.
The announcement sparked unease among expectant mothers. Haley Drenon, a 29-year-old first-time mother in Austin, Texas, told reporters she had taken Tylenol during her first trimester. “This announcement makes me nervous,” she said. “The headlines sound alarming, but when you read deeper, the science isn’t that clear.”
Historical Context of Trump’s Health Claims
This is not the first time Trump has faced criticism for promoting unverified medical ideas. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he drew backlash for suggesting unconventional and scientifically unsupported treatments.
Similarly, Kennedy has a history of advancing controversial theories about autism, including long-debunked claims linking vaccines to the disorder. His partnership with Trump on this latest issue raised concerns that science may once again be overshadowed by politics.
What Experts Advise Pregnant Women
So, what should expectant mothers do in light of the uproar?
Medical professionals remain consistent in their advice:
- Use Tylenol only as needed and at the lowest effective dose.
- Consult a doctor before taking any medication during pregnancy.
- Avoid untreated fever or severe pain, as both can harm maternal and fetal health.
As Dr. Fleischman of ACOG noted, “The risks of untreated illness in pregnancy are well-documented. Acetaminophen, when used appropriately, is still the safest choice.”
The Bigger Picture
The Tylenol-autism debate illustrates a broader challenge in modern health communication: how political figures, scientific uncertainty, and public fear collide in the digital age. With autism affecting millions of families and remaining poorly understood, new studies often spark disproportionate headlines.
But experts caution against drawing premature conclusions. Autism, they emphasize, is not caused by a single factor but emerges from a complex interplay of genetics, environment, and biology. Simplistic narratives risk misleading the public while stigmatizing conditions that require nuanced understanding.
Final Thoughts
As of September 2025, the scientific consensus holds firm: there is no proven causal link between Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism. While further research is welcome, misleading claims from political leaders risk doing more harm than good by sowing confusion and fear among expectant parents.
For families navigating pregnancy, the best course remains clear—trust medical professionals, not political soundbites.