Former President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently made headlines by claiming that prenatal use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) can cause autism. At a press conference on September 22, Trump said the FDA would immediately alert doctors that acetaminophen during pregnancy “can be associated with a very increased risk of autism.”
Medical experts, however, strongly dispute this claim. Tylenol’s parent company, Kenvue, stated that decades of research show no evidence linking acetaminophen to autism, emphasizing the drug remains one of the safest options for treating pain or fever in pregnant women.
Dr. Karam Radwan of UChicago Medicine explained that studies suggesting a link cannot prove causation. “If a pregnant person takes Tylenol frequently, it may be due to underlying conditions like infection or inflammation — the real risk factor — rather than Tylenol itself,” he said. Radwan stressed that mothers should not blame themselves if their child develops autism.
The controversy stems from an August study in Environmental Health, which noted a “positive association” between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders. Researchers, however, clearly stated they could not establish direct causation. Other studies, including research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, have found no significant autism risk from acetaminophen use during pregnancy.
Experts caution that untreated fever or pain can also pose risks to the fetus. Dr. Didier Prada from Mount Sinai stressed discussing treatment options with healthcare providers and considering non-drug alternatives whenever possible.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also supports acetaminophen use during pregnancy, calling claims linking it to autism “irresponsible and concerning” due to the confusion they may cause pregnant patients.
Kenvue emphasized: “Over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism. Acetaminophen remains the safest option for pregnant women when needed.”
In short, while research continues into neurodevelopmental disorders, the consensus among scientists and healthcare professionals is clear: acetaminophen is safe when used appropriately during pregnancy, and there is no proven link to autism.
