In a move that has sent shockwaves through the medical community, US President Donald Trump declared on September 22, 2025, that the use of Tylenol (known as paracetamol in many countries) by pregnant women could increase the risk of autism in their children. Trump's statement, made during a press conference at the White House, directly contradicted longstanding medical advice and immediately sparked a wave of criticism from health professionals and scientists around the globe.
Standing before reporters, Trump insisted, "Tylenol is no good," and urged pregnant women to "fight like hell" to avoid the painkiller unless absolutely necessary, such as during high fevers. The president’s claims, however, stand in stark contrast to the guidance of major medical bodies, including the UK's National Health Service (NHS) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, who continue to recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol/paracetamol) as the safest and most effective treatment for pain and fever during pregnancy.
The president’s comments have reignited a contentious debate about autism, a lifelong neurodivergence that affects how people interact with the world. Autism is not a learning disability or a mental health condition, though it can co-occur with both. It is diagnosed through careful observations by doctors, as there are currently no blood tests or brain scans that can determine its presence. According to research cited by BBC News, the number of children diagnosed with autism has risen dramatically in recent decades, with 1 in 31 US children identified as autistic in 2022, up from 1 in 149 in 2000. In the UK, the rate among children aged 10 to 14 was 1 in 34 in 2018, according to research published in The Lancet.
Yet, most researchers agree that the rise in diagnoses reflects increased awareness and broader diagnostic criteria, not a sudden surge in actual cases. This view, however, has been sharply criticized by US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who described it as "epidemic denial" and has repeatedly floated debunked theories about the causes of autism, including blaming vaccines.
When it comes to Tylenol, the scientific consensus remains clear: there is no evidence that acetaminophen causes autism. As reported by both BBC News and The Independent, medical organizations worldwide stand by the safety of Tylenol for pregnant women. The NHS website states unequivocally that "paracetamol is the first choice of painkiller if you’re pregnant. It’s commonly taken during pregnancy and does not harm your baby." Similarly, Dr. Alison Cave, chief safety officer for the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, emphasized, "There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children and it remains the recommended pain relief for pregnant women."
Backing these statements are several large-scale studies. Notably, a 2024 Swedish study involving 2.5 million babies found no evidence of a causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. A 2025 Japanese study did observe a small increased risk, but the authors cautioned that "misclassification and other biases may partially explain these associations." Meanwhile, a 2023 review by Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and Mount Sinai, published in BMC Environmental Health, analyzed 46 previous studies and found mixed results—some indicating a potential association, others showing no link or even a protective effect. The authors concluded that while steps should be taken to limit paracetamol use, the drug remains important for treating fever and pain in mothers, which themselves could harm babies.
Scientists and medical professionals have not minced words in their response to Trump’s claims. UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting told ITV’s Lorraine, "I trust doctors over President Trump, frankly, on this. I’ve just got to be really clear about this: there is no evidence to link the use of paracetamol by pregnant women to autism in their children. None." Dr. Monique Botha, associate professor at Durham University, went further, stating, "I am exceptionally confident in saying that no relationship exists." She warned that the president’s remarks could have real-world consequences: "The fearmongering will prevent women from accessing the appropriate care during pregnancy. Pain relief for pregnant women is woefully lacking and paracetamol is a much safer pain relief option during pregnancy than basically any other alternative."
Dr. Edward Mullins of Imperial College London echoed these concerns, noting that Trump’s theory is "unsubstantiated" and could result in women being denied essential treatment for fever and pain during pregnancy. Professor Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, pointed out that paracetamol "has been used safely by millions of people for decades, including during pregnancy, when taken as directed."
Beyond the scientific debate, there are worries about the social impact of such claims. Dr. Botha cautioned that linking autism to maternal behavior risks "stigmatising families who have autistic children as having brought it on themselves," reigniting a long history of maternal blame. The Green Party’s co-deputy leader, Rachel Millward, accused Trump of "blatant misogyny," warning that such rhetoric could further restrict women’s access to necessary care.
In response to the controversy, Tylenol maker Kenvue issued a statement to BBC News, saying, "We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers." The Autism Science Foundation, a US charity, also weighed in, concluding that there is not enough evidence to support a link between Tylenol and autism, but advising that any medication during pregnancy should be used with caution and under medical supervision.
Meanwhile, US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has suggested that a drug called leucovorin, typically used to reduce chemotherapy side effects, might soon be approved as a treatment for children with autism. However, researchers caution that the evidence is still preliminary. Folate (vitamin B9), found in many foods, has been linked in some studies to a lower likelihood of autism when taken as a supplement around conception, but the findings are inconsistent.
Medical experts continue to stress that acetaminophen remains the best available option for pain and fever during pregnancy. High fevers, especially in the first trimester, can pose serious risks, including miscarriage, preterm birth, or neural tube defects. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, is generally not recommended after 20 weeks of pregnancy due to risks to the baby's circulation and kidney function. The NHS advises using paracetamol at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest possible time, and as infrequently as possible.
Despite the uproar, the scientific and medical communities remain steadfast: the evidence does not support President Trump’s claims. As the debate continues, one thing is clear—expecting mothers should rely on the guidance of their doctors, not political rhetoric, when it comes to their health and that of their babies.
