President Donald Trump announced Monday, September 23rd, that Tylenol use during pregnancy could increase the risk of autism, a claim that scientists and doctors say is not supported by established evidence.
Speaking at the White House with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and top health officials, Trump said the FDA would warn doctors about “a very increased risk of autism” from acetaminophen. He urged pregnant women to avoid the drug unless treating a fever. The FDA emphasized that a causal relationship has not been established and is sending letters to physicians while beginning label updates. “They are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary,” Trump stated.
Kennedy said HHS would launch a national campaign advising that acetaminophen be used only at the lowest dose for the shortest time needed. The FDA confirmed it will begin updating labels and issue a letter to physicians, while noting that a causal relationship has not been established.
Tylenol maker Kenvue rejected the claim. “Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy,” the company responded, warning that discouraging its use could lead to more dangerous choices.
Medical groups raised alarms about the announcement. Dr. Steven J. Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, called it “irresponsible” and said it oversimplifies the complex causes of autism. Researchers stressed that untreated fevers during pregnancy can raise the risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
Ann Bauer, a University of Massachusetts-Lowell epidemiologist whose work was cited by the White House, said her research was misused. “If prenatal Tylenol has any association, which it may not, it would help account for only a fraction of cases,” she explained.
Autism experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they were not consulted before the announcement. Helen Tager-Flusberg, director of Boston University’s Center for Autism Research Excellence, called Trump’s remarks “dangerous,” emphasizing that genetics remain the strongest risk factor for autism.
