Trump links Tylenol use to autism, sparks medical pushback

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
23 Sep 2025 05:04

President Trump has linked Tylenol use in pregnancy to autism, calling for new warning labels and promoting a controversial treatment.

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United States President Donald Trump speaks in the Roosevelt Room of the White House, on September 22, 2025, in Washington,as Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., left, and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Mehmet Oz, listen. (AP)

United States President Donald Trump has claimed that Tylenol (paracetamol or acetaminophen) use during pregnancy may be linked to autism, urging expectant mothers to avoid taking the drug unless medically necessary. He announced plans for new warning labels on the medication and a public information campaign to raise awareness.

“Taking Tylenol is not good,” Trump said, adding that doctors will be informed that prenatal acetaminophen use “can be associated” with autism. He also promoted leucovorin, a lesser-known drug, as a potential treatment for some autism symptoms.

Experts reject claims, warn of risks from misinformation

Medical experts swiftly pushed back, saying Trump’s remarks could fuel confusion and fear. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stressed that there is no proven causal link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism.

Health authorities cite sibling-comparison studies showing no consistent evidence of increased autism risk when one child was exposed to acetaminophen in the womb and the other was not. They warn that discouraging safe pain relief could endanger both mothers and fetuses, since untreated fever or pain itself can carry health risks.

Scientific evidence remains inconclusive

While some earlier studies suggested possible associations between acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental issues, experts caution that these findings remain inconclusive and are often offset by more rigorous analyses.

As for leucovorin, small-scale studies indicate potential benefits for some children with autism, but large-scale, peer-reviewed trials are lacking.

Trump’s comments come as part of a wider “autism action plan” rolled out by his administration, which includes proposed research funding and regulatory changes.