Trump links acetaminophen to autism; Oz tells pregnant women to consider Tylenol when appropriate

A White House event on Monday sparked a burst of controversy over acetaminophen use in pregnancy when President Donald Trump asserted a link between the common pain reliever and a rise in autism rates, and urged pregnant women to “tough it out” rather than take Tylenol. The claim appeared to set the stage for a broader debate over medical guidance during pregnancy, drawing responses from health officials and medical professionals who stressed that the science remains unsettled and that clinical decisions should be individualized.

Trump’s remarks were echoed at the event by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who signaled a desire for faster recommendations but stopped short of a hard directive against Tylenol. The president insisted that there was no harm in moving quickly on recommendations, while Kennedy and other health officials offered cautious language about the available evidence. At one point, Kennedy noted that the FDA is reviewing the issue and will issue physician-facing guidance as part of a broader safety-label process. The remarks left many pregnant women uncertain about how to manage fever or pain during pregnancy, a common concern that typically requires balancing maternal comfort with potential risks to fetal development.

In the days following the White House remarks, a prominent television physician offered a different perspective. Dr. Mehmet Oz, who spoke to TMZ Live, told an audience of pregnant women with high fevers that Tylenol can be appropriate in certain circumstances. He stressed that low-grade fevers or minor aches are not a universal reason to reach for acetaminophen, and he cautioned that the science linking acetaminophen to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes is not conclusive. “Acetaminophen’s probably your best option, but take it when you really need it,” Oz said, framing the drug as a possible choice rather than a blanket prohibition.

The remarks from Oz were framed as a clarification rather than a direct contradiction of the president’s stance. He said that the decision to use Tylenol should be made with a physician’s guidance, especially given pregnancy-specific considerations. The CMS administrator—also identified in the notes as Dr. Oz—told the same demographic that Tylenol should be taken “when it’s appropriate,” noting that a high fever might lead a doctor to prescribe it. He emphasized that treating a fever is often necessary for maternal health, while also acknowledging that not all fevers warrant medication.

The president’s critics argued that messaging on medication during pregnancy should be grounded in established medical guidelines rather than rapid political positioning. RFK Jr. reiterated that the FDA is examining the issue in light of studies suggesting a potential association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, while also acknowledging studies with no clear link. He framed the FDA action as a search for clarity rather than a definitive verdict, noting that researchers have proposed biological mechanisms that could connect prenatal exposure to altered brain development, even as other studies fail to demonstrate a consistent effect.

The administration’s public health stance sits within a broader conversation about acetaminophen safety during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has long emphasized acetaminophen as a commonly used, generally safe remedy for pregnant individuals when used as directed, though medical groups also urge caution and advise discussing any fever or pain with a clinician. Additional context cited in the discussion includes a resurfaced Tylenol tweet from 2017 in which the company stated that it did not recommend using any of its products during pregnancy—a message the public health community characterized as a reminder of caution rather than a contradiction of clinical practice.

Experts caution that the scientific literature on acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental outcomes is mixed, and that establishing causality in observational studies is difficult given the many confounding factors involved in pregnancy and child development. Health officials have called for careful interpretation of existing studies and for ongoing research to better define any potential risk, while clinicians stress that untreated fever or significant maternal illness can pose risks that also deserve attention.

As the FDA contemplates next steps, observers say patients should rely on their own clinicians for personalized guidance. Pregnant people who are concerned about fever or pain are advised to discuss symptoms, medical history, and potential medication options with a health care professional who can weigh maternal health against any theoretical risks to the fetus. The evolving guidance underscores how rapidly shifting statements from political leaders, medical officials, and clinical researchers can affect decision-making for expectant families in real time.

Source materials indicate that the day’s events included public comments from multiple health figures, with the White House signaling that Trump’s point-of-view reflected a broader push toward swifter recommendations in some health policy areas. The conversation also touched on broader public health questions about how to communicate risk without causing unnecessary alarm for pregnant individuals.

[Note: This article summarizes notes provided in cluster materials and reflects the health topic as presented. Official medical guidance should be sought from trusted health authorities and clinicians.]