The Trump administration said on Monday that the usage of Tylenol throughout being pregnant could also be linked to an elevated threat of autism.
In a press convention on the White Home, President Donald Trump mentioned the Meals and Drug Administration will start notifying physicians instantly that it’s “strongly recommending that ladies restrict Tylenol use throughout being pregnant except medically mandatory.”
“They’re strongly recommending that ladies restrict Tylenol use throughout being pregnant except medically mandatory,” Trump mentioned. “That is, for example, in instances of extraordinarily excessive fever.”
Research on this query haven’t proven a direct trigger and impact. Some research level to a potential hyperlink, however main medical teams have evaluated the proof and proceed to suggest acetaminophen because the most secure painkiller throughout being pregnant.
President Donald Trump alongside Secretary of Well being and Human Companies Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Mehmet Oz speaks about autism on the White Home in Washington, Sept. 22, 2025.
Saul Loeb/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
Trump and his well being officers mentioned that the FDA would replace the label for acetaminophen, generally referred to as Tylenol, to “replicate potential advantages in lowering some autism signs.”
In a press release, Dr. Steven Fleischman, president of the American School of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), mentioned the medical group continues to suggest acetaminophen because the most secure painkiller throughout being pregnant.
“Strategies that acetaminophen use in being pregnant causes autism usually are not solely extremely regarding to clinicians but in addition irresponsible when contemplating the dangerous and complicated message they ship to pregnant sufferers, together with those that could must depend on this helpful drugs throughout being pregnant,” Fleischman mentioned.
“In the present day’s announcement by HHS is just not backed by the total physique of scientific proof and dangerously simplifies the various and complicated causes of neurologic challenges in youngsters. It’s extremely unsettling that our federal well being companies are prepared to make an announcement that may have an effect on the well being and well-being of thousands and thousands of individuals with out the backing of dependable knowledge,” the assertion continued.
In a press release from Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, on Sunday, the corporate mentioned it believes analysis reveals that acetaminophen doesn’t trigger autism.
“We strongly disagree with any suggestion in any other case and are deeply involved with the well being threat this poses for anticipating moms,” the assertion learn. “Acetaminophen is the most secure ache reliever possibility for pregnant girls as wanted all through their whole being pregnant. With out it, girls face harmful decisions: endure by means of situations like fever which are probably dangerous to each mother and child or use riskier alternate options.
Secretary of Well being and Human Companies Robert F. Kennedy Jr. delivers remarks on autism whereas President Donald Trump listens, on the White Home, in Washington, September 22, 2025.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Photographs
The administration additionally introduced on Monday that it’s beginning an approval course of for a drug known as leucovorin, regardless of restricted proof of profit.
Leucovorin, which is often used as a part of most cancers care, has proven early promise in a handful of small research suggesting it might assist the signs of some youngsters with autism.
Sometimes, extra sturdy research could be required for a brand new FDA approval. Medical doctors say there could possibly be some promise for this drug, however warning that extra analysis is required to grasp how a lot — and even whether or not — this drug helps sure youngsters.
Within the press launch, GSK, the maker of the drug, didn’t point out autism by identify however mentioned it’s beginning a course of to increase the approval.
Throughout the press convention on Monday, Trump and Well being and Human Companies Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. additionally urged the childhood vaccine schedule may contribute to autism, contradicting years of analysis that has discovered no hyperlink between the 2.
It is a growing story. Please examine again for updates.
