Trump Says Tylenol in Pregnancy May Cause Autism
President Donald Trump told the nation this week that pregnant women should not take Tylenol, warning that the drug could be tied to autism. The announcement set off a wave of reaction from experts who wanted to set the record straight.
How Doctors and Scientists Are Responding
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) said there is “no clear evidence” that Tylenol use in pregnancy causes autism. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) cautioned that avoiding Tylenol could put mothers and babies at risk.
Tylenol’s maker, Kenvue, also pushed back, stating that “independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism.”
What Research Actually Says About Tylenol and Autism
Scientists have studied the use of Tylenol during pregnancy for years. A few older studies suggested a possible connection to autism, but they had major caveats. Many depended on mothers recalling what they took years later, which is not always reliable. Others could not separate the effects of the medication from the effects of the fever or illness that led to taking it.
A 2024 study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, used Swedish health records to compare outcomes between siblings. Researchers found no sign that Tylenol use in pregnancy increased the risk of autism or intellectual disability.
Put simply, the strongest data available shows Tylenol itself is not the cause.
Why Skipping Tylenol Can Do More Harm
High fevers, especially in the first trimester, have been linked to miscarriage, preterm birth, and certain birth defects. That is why doctors often recommend acetaminophen as the safest way to reduce a fever.
Other pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or aspirin, are usually avoided in pregnancy because of known risks to the fetus. The FDA advises explicitly against using NSAIDs at 20 weeks or later, since they can affect the baby’s kidneys and amniotic fluid.
As the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine explains, current research “does not establish a causal relationship” between Tylenol and autism. The bigger danger comes from letting a fever go untreated.
What Experts Want Parents to Know
Doctors and researchers are in agreement regarding the use of Tylenol during pregnancy. Use it as needed, adhere to the recommended dose, and consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
What This Means for Expecting Parents
Trump’s comment brought fresh attention to a subject that has been studied and debated for years. Some earlier observational research raised questions, yet professional medical groups such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine have both stated that current research does not establish a connection. They note that acetaminophen remains a commonly recommended option when clinically appropriate.
Although Trump framed the comment as part of a broader effort to study the condition and its possible causes, the announcement was a prime example of how complex scientific questions can become simplified once they enter public debate.
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