President Trump’s administration is reportedly planning to announce a connection between the pain relief medication Tylenol (acetaminophen) and autism. This announcement, expected at an Oval Office event, will advise pregnant women to use Tylenol only for high fevers, according to media reports.
The President himself alluded to a significant discovery regarding autism, describing it as “out of control” and suggesting a potential cause might be revealed soon. This follows earlier remarks made at a memorial service.
While some studies have explored a potential association between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism, these findings are not conclusive and do not establish a causal relationship. The manufacturer of Tylenol, Kenvue, has strongly refuted any such link, stating that “independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism.” The company emphasized that acetaminophen remains the safest pain relief option for pregnant women, crucial for managing conditions like fever that could pose risks if left untreated.
Experts in the medical field have cautioned against drawing premature conclusions. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, along with other major medical organizations and global health authorities, consistently recommends Tylenol as a safe pain relief option for pregnant individuals. They maintain that studies have not provided clear evidence of a direct link between responsible acetaminophen use and developmental issues in fetuses.
Recent research has yielded mixed results. A review from Harvard University’s Chan School of Public Health suggested a possible increased risk of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders with Tylenol exposure during pregnancy, though the researchers also noted the continued importance of the medication for managing maternal fever and pain. Conversely, a 2024 study found no such relationship.
Academics like Professor Monique Botha highlight the lack of robust evidence for a causal link and stress that Tylenol remains one of the few safe pain relief options for pregnant women. The increase in autism diagnoses observed since 2000 is attributed by scientists to several factors, including greater awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and ongoing research into environmental influences, rather than a single cause.