US President Donald Trump links Tylenol in pregnancy to autism; Doctors explain Trump's comments

While Trump suggested acetaminophen could harm fetal brain development, doctors stress there is no clear evidence linking Tylenol to autism

American President Donald Trump has now claimed that Tylenol (acetaminophen) should be avoided by pregnant women due to a “very increased risk” of autism in children. At a White House press conference with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, Trump said the Food and Drug Administration plans to take steps toward updating warning labels on products containing the drug. He said extended or frequent use during pregnancy could interfere with fetal brain development and lead to neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and attention-deficit disorders.

Trump’s message was clear: “Don’t take Tylenol in pregnancy unless you really have to,” alluding to situations like high fever for which it might be appropriate. His comments unleashed immediate anxiety in expecting mothers and elicited sharp responses from the medical world and the public. Though some read the guidance as a means of preparing warily, it was broadly denounced among health experts as an oversimplification of complicated science. They cautioned that if pregnant women were told not to use acetaminophen, they might face untreated fever or extreme pain — conditions that themselves can be harmful to both mother and child. Amid the political rhetoric and the public confusion, physicians have been stepping up to explain what science really tells us about autism.

Also Read: World Autism Awareness Day 2025: Best paediatrician-approved healthy eating tips for autistic children

Autism: A Complex, Multifactorial Condition

Mumbai-based senior gynaecologist Radhika Narula told Moneycontrol that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) cannot be traced to a single cause and is difficult to define in simple terms. She explained that it is not solely genetic, but a complex condition shaped by both hereditary and environmental factors. Studies have repeatedly shown that elements such as family history, specific gene variations, and prenatal influences — including maternal infections or complications during pregnancy — can raise the risk.

What is Tylenol

"It's acetaminophen...same as CALPOL crocin or any paracetamol," Dr Rajeev Ranjan, Senior Consultant Paediatrician in Noida, tells Moneycontrol.

Doctors Push Back: Tylenol Does Not Cause Autism

The proposal that use of acetaminophen in pregnancy has a causal relationship to autism "is clearly unwarranted," according to veteran clinicians who are opposed to the theory. Says Dr Ranjan, “It is totally false that Tylenol use during pregnancy causes autism, like Trump said. It is not a doctor's diagnosis or fact. Autism is disproportionately diagnosed in developed nations and cities, but Tylenol is taken all over the world, even in villages in small towns. Autism rates are higher in rural areas, yet there is no impact. This plainly demonstrates that Trump’s assertion that Tylenol is responsible for autism is untrue.

"From what my 26 years’ experience have shown me, I think autism is more of an urban phenomenon. The culprits are too much screen time, poor communication and the move towards nuclear families. These are some of the causes that children develop autism. We need to invest more in our children and focus on communication and less time on technology", Dr Rajeev Ranjan told Moneycontrol.

Making What Really Matters for Parents and Children

The wider medical consensus mirrors this view. The ACOG are adamant that acetaminophen is still a safe drug during pregnancy if used correctly. There was no clear evidence whatsoever that Tylenol causes autism, the FDA announced on its official website, adding, "Further research is needed to determine if the use of Tylenol during pregnancy or in young children may lead to autism." To lose sight of the health needs of mothers, say, by leaving a fever alone to pass at all costs? — could for both take a heavy toll.

And in the end, autism is a complex disorder informed by genetics, early brain development and changing social environments. Crude assertions that a single drug is responsible could end up diverting attention away from serious discussion about prevention, early intervention and treatment. As paediatricians emphasise, the real answer is to invest in children’s overall well-being — fostering greater communication, limiting technology and building stronger family connections.

Also Read: What is AuDHD? Psychiatrist reveals how Autism and ADHD together change daily life

FAQs on Tylenol and Pregnancy

1. What did Donald Trump say about Tylenol and pregnancy?

Trump claimed that Tylenol (acetaminophen) should be avoided by pregnant women due to an increased risk of autism in children.

2. What was the response from the medical community?

Many health experts criticised Trump’s statement as an oversimplification and warned that avoiding acetaminophen could lead to untreated fever or pain, which could be harmful to both mother and child.

3. What do studies say about the causes of autism?

Studies indicate that autism is a complex condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, including family history, specific gene variations, and prenatal influences.

4. Is there evidence that Tylenol causes autism?

Currently, there is no clear evidence that Tylenol use during pregnancy causes autism, according to medical experts and the FDA.

5. What is recommended for pregnant women who need pain relief?

The ACOG states that acetaminophen can still be used safely during pregnancy if used correctly. It is essential to consult with healthcare providers before taking any medication during pregnancy.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.