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President Trump announced Monday that his administration has found a link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, recommending pregnant women avoid Tylenol unless facing extreme fever or unbearable pain. The president stated flatly that “taking Tylenol is not good” and urged expectant mothers to “tough it out” when experiencing pain.
The findings emerged from a monthslong review conducted by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who promised during his confirmation to investigate rising autism rates. Mr. Kennedy cited clinical and laboratory studies suggesting potential connections between acetaminophen and later diagnoses of autism and ADHD. As a result, the FDA will develop new safety labels for the painkiller and launch a public awareness campaign.
The announcement has sparked fierce backlash from medical organizations, who criticized the administration for basing recommendations on flimsy evidence while ignoring established causes like genetics. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists called the conclusion “reckless,” with president Dr. Steven Fleischman noting there’s “no new data” supporting the claims.
Medical groups pointed out that Tylenol usage among pregnant women hasn’t increased in recent decades, even as autism rates have risen. The FDA’s website currently states it has “not found clear evidence that appropriate use of acetaminophen during pregnancy causes adverse pregnancy, birth, neurobehavioral or developmental outcomes.”
Kenvue Brands, Tylenol’s manufacturer, strongly disagreed with the administration’s stance, expressing concern about health risks for expecting mothers. The company and medical experts emphasized that acetaminophen remains crucial for treating dangerous fevers that could cause miscarriage or birth defects.
The scientific evidence remains mixed. While smaller studies have suggested possible links, including a 2019 study examining cord plasma biomarkers, a massive 2024 collaboration between the National Institutes of Health and Swedish researchers found no increased autism risk from acetaminophen use.
Mr. Trump also endorsed leucovorin, a vitamin B variant used in cancer treatment, as a potential autism therapy. This recommendation generated less controversy, with former FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb acknowledging small studies showed modest improvements in verbal skills, though larger trials are needed.
Mr. Kennedy hinted at further investigations, potentially examining vaccine connections to autism despite scientific consensus rejecting such links. Trump suggested spreading out childhood vaccinations over time, admitting his recommendation was based on personal feelings rather than scientific evidence.
The announcement reflects Mr. Kennedy’s significant influence within the president’s administration and his “Make America Healthy Again” movement, which has generated both devoted followers and sharp criticism from medical establishments.
Read more: Trump links autism to Tylenol, sparking backlash from maker and medical groups
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