In a sweeping Oval Office announcement, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that acetaminophen—commonly sold as Tylenol—used during pregnancy “can be associated with a very increased risk of autism,” urging pregnant women to avoid the drug unless “medically necessary.” The statement, made without citing new scientific evidence, has triggered widespread concern among public health experts and reignited debates over vaccine safety.
What Trump Said
- Trump stated the FDA would soon notify physicians to limit Tylenol recommendations during pregnancy.
- He suggested mothers “tough it out” unless facing high fever.
- He also questioned the timing of childhood vaccines, including the hepatitis B shot given to newborns, saying “too many different things are going into that baby.”
Scientific Response
Medical experts swiftly condemned the remarks:
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists called the claims “irresponsible,” warning they could frighten pregnant women into avoiding necessary treatment.
- A 2024 Swedish study involving 2.5 million children found no causal link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism.
- A 2025 meta-analysis of 46 studies suggested a possible association, but emphasized that correlation does not equal causation.
“Untreated fever may pose greater risks to the fetus than acetaminophen,” said Dr. Steven Fleischman, ACOG President.
Civic and Political Impact
- Public Confusion: Expecting mothers are now caught between presidential warnings and medical consensus.
- Healthcare Strain: Doctors report a surge in patient anxiety and misinformation.
- Policy Shifts: An immunization panel influenced by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently altered vaccine guidance for COVID-19 and other diseases.
Kennedy’s “Make America Healthy Again” movement has pushed for a federal investigation into autism causes, despite decades of research pointing to genetic and environmental factors.
Autism in the U.S.
- Autism now affects 1 in 31 children, up from 1 in 150 in 2000.
- Experts attribute the rise to broader diagnostic criteria and improved awareness—not medication or vaccines.