During a much-watched White House briefing on September 22, 2025, President Donald Trump, alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., urged pregnant women to avoid using Tylenol (acetaminophen). They claimed a link between its use and autism. He also revisited long-discredited concerns about vaccines. However, leading medical and scientific voices have pushed back strongly, saying there is no clear evidence supporting such claims.
Trump’s Claims
In his remarks, Trump warned that taking Tylenol during pregnancy could be linked to a “very increased risk of autism.” He advised that it should only be used in extreme cases such as high fever. He went further by reviving long-debunked fears about vaccines. Trump suggested that both the timing of vaccine doses and certain ingredients might contribute to rising autism rates. As part of these claims, he also announced that the FDA would begin notifying doctors about the supposed risks. They would push for stronger warning labels on acetaminophen.
Scientific Evidence: What We Know & What We Don’t
While some observational studies have explored whether using acetaminophen during pregnancy might be associated with a higher risk of autism or other developmental disorders, experts stress that correlation does not equal causation. Many of these studies face challenges such as confounding variables. This makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. In fact, one of the largest studies, conducted in Sweden and involving millions of children, found no statistically significant causal link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism or ADHD once genetic and familial factors were taken into account. Researchers also caution that completely avoiding acetaminophen could be risky. Untreated pain or fever during pregnancy may itself harm both the mother and developing baby.
Potential Risks of Misinformation
Medical authorities have described Trump’s statements as “irresponsible.” They caution that they may fuel fear among pregnant women and discourage safe medical practices. By framing autism as the outcome of a single medication or vaccine, such claims risk oversimplifying a condition. This condition is known to have complex genetic, environmental, and developmental causes. Experts also warn that spreading unproven theories can stigmatize families and individuals with autism. It distracts from efforts to support research and care.
While the causes of autism continue to be studied, the scientific consensus is clear: there is no proven link between Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism. Expectant mothers are encouraged to consult healthcare providers before taking any medication and to rely on evidence-based medical advice rather than political rhetoric.
