A bold claim is about to shake the conversation around autism and pregnancy—Trump officials are preparing to connect the use of the common painkiller Tylenol during pregnancy to autism in children. But here’s where it gets controversial: many experts remain highly skeptical about this alleged link.
Sources from US media report that at a White House event scheduled for Monday, the US president plans to advise pregnant women to choose Tylenol—known as paracetamol in most countries outside North America—as the preferred medication to manage high fevers during pregnancy. This announcement follows comments made by Trump at the Charlie Kirk memorial service on Sunday, where he hinted at a forthcoming “amazing” revelation regarding autism, describing the condition as “out of control” and suggesting that they might finally have uncovered a reason behind the increase.
But what does the science say? Several studies have explored whether pregnant women taking Tylenol could be linked to higher rates of autism in their children. While some research has suggested a potential association, the results are often inconsistent and far from definitive. Importantly, none of these studies prove that Tylenol causes autism.
Tylenol, a popular pain relief medication in the US, Canada, and other countries, contains acetaminophen—the same ingredient known as paracetamol elsewhere. It is widely regarded as one of the safest over-the-counter options for managing pain and fever during pregnancy.
The manufacturer of Tylenol, Kenvue, has firmly defended its safety profile. In a statement to the BBC, the company emphasized that "independent, rigorous scientific research clearly shows that acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly dispute any claims suggesting otherwise and are deeply concerned about the potential health risks this misinformation brings to expectant mothers." They also stressed that acetaminophen remains the safest pain relief choice for pregnant women, warning that without it, many would face the difficult and risky decision of either enduring severe symptoms or resorting to less safe alternatives.
The BBC has reached out to the US Department of Health and Human Services for comments on this developing story.
Earlier in April, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., head of the HHS, promised "a massive testing and research effort" aimed at uncovering the causes of autism within five months—a goal that many specialists caution is overly ambitious given the complexity of the condition. Autism is a multifaceted developmental syndrome that researchers have studied for decades, with no single cause identified. The prevailing view among experts is that autism results from a complicated combination of genetic predispositions and environmental exposures.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has consistently endorsed Tylenol as one of the few pain medications safely recommended for use during pregnancy across the United States. They highlight that past research has failed to provide clear evidence linking careful, moderate use of acetaminophen at any stage of pregnancy to developmental problems in fetuses.
This stance is shared by several other leading medical organizations and health authorities worldwide, underscoring the global consensus on Tylenol’s relative safety during pregnancy.
However, controversy persists. In August, a comprehensive review led by the dean of Harvard University’s Chan School of Public Health suggested that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen might increase the risk of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders in children. The researchers urged caution and suggested steps to limit the use of the drug during pregnancy while acknowledging that managing maternal fever and pain is crucial to avoid negative outcomes for the child.
Adding to the confusion, a 2024 study published in a scientific journal found no evidence supporting any connection between Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism. Monique Botha, a professor of social and developmental psychology at Durham University, stated, "There is no strong or convincing scientific proof to back the claim of a causal link." She further pointed out how limited pain relief options are for pregnant women, highlighting that Tylenol remains one of the very few safe choices.
It’s also important to note that autism diagnoses have risen sharply since the year 2000. By 2020, approximately 2.77% of 8-year-old children in the United States were diagnosed with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Researchers believe part of this rise stems from increased awareness and a broader definition of autism, while environmental influences continue to be investigated.
One especially contentious figure in this discussion, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has in the past promoted disproven theories linking vaccines to autism, a claim that has been widely debunked by scientific evidence.
So, what should expectant mothers believe amid this swirl of conflicting studies and statements? Is Tylenol truly safe or a hidden danger waiting to be uncovered? And when it comes to autism, could a seemingly ordinary pain medication be playing a role no one fully understands yet? These questions spark intense debate and raise concerns about how best to protect both mother and child.
What do you think? Should we trust the existing scientific consensus on acetaminophen’s safety, or is it time to radically rethink its use during pregnancy? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below.
