Reports from US media indicate that officials within the Trump administration are preparing to connect the use of the pain reliever Tylenol, known as paracetamol in other regions, to autism in children. During an Oval Office event scheduled for Monday, President Trump is expected to advise pregnant women in the United States to solely rely on Tylenol for alleviating high fevers.
At a memorial service for Charlie Kirk on Sunday, President Trump hinted at an "amazing announcement" regarding autism, stating that the situation is "out of control" and suggesting that there may now be a reason behind it. This statement has raised eyebrows, especially given the ongoing debate surrounding the safety of Tylenol during pregnancy.
While some studies have indicated a potential link between pregnant women using Tylenol and an increased risk of autism, these findings are inconsistent and do not establish a definitive causal relationship. Tylenol is a widely used pain relief medication in the United States, Canada, and several other countries, and its active ingredient, acetaminophen, is known as paracetamol outside North America.
The manufacturer of Tylenol, Kenvue, has publicly defended the use of acetaminophen in pregnant women. In a statement to the BBC, the company asserted, "We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism." They expressed serious concerns regarding the implications of any suggestions to the contrary, emphasizing that acetaminophen is considered the safest pain relief option for expectant mothers.
Kenvue further stated that without Tylenol, pregnant women may face a perilous decision between enduring discomfort from conditions like fever or resorting to more hazardous alternatives. The BBC has reached out to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for an official comment on this emerging issue.
In April, HHS leader Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced plans for an extensive testing and research initiative aimed at uncovering the causes of autism within a five-month timeframe. However, experts caution that pinpointing the causes of autism—a complex syndrome studied for decades—will not be straightforward. The prevailing view among researchers is that autism arises from a multifaceted interplay of genetic and environmental factors.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology has consistently identified Tylenol as one of the safest pain relievers for pregnant women across the nation. Previous studies have failed to provide clear evidence of a direct link between the responsible use of acetaminophen during any trimester and fetal developmental issues.
Other significant medical organizations, along with various governments worldwide, also endorse the use of Tylenol for pain relief during pregnancy. A recent review conducted by the dean of Harvard University's Chan School of Public Health suggested that children exposed to Tylenol in utero may have a heightened risk of developing autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the researchers acknowledged the necessity of managing maternal fever and pain to prevent adverse outcomes for children.
Another study published in 2024 found no relationship between Tylenol exposure during pregnancy and autism. Monique Botha, a professor in social and developmental psychology at Durham University, stated, "There is no robust evidence or convincing studies to suggest there is any causal relationship." She emphasized that pain relief options for pregnant women are severely limited, with Tylenol remaining one of the few safe alternatives.
Since 2000, autism diagnoses have surged, with the rate among 8-year-olds reaching 2.77% by 2020, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Researchers attribute a portion of this increase to heightened awareness and an expanded definition of the disorder. Environmental factors are also under investigation. Notably, Kennedy has previously promoted debunked theories linking rising autism rates to vaccines, despite a lack of supporting evidence.
