Tylenol maker rejects Trump plan linking acetaminophen to autism as administration promises forthcoming announcement

Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, pushed back Wednesday against the Trump administration’s plan to link acetaminophen use during pregnancy to autism, calling the assertion dangerous and saying there is no credible evidence of a causal relationship. The company said independent science supports the safety of acetaminophen for pregnant women when used as directed and warned that the administration’s stance could mislead patients and caregivers.

The administration, led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has signaled a forthcoming announcement asserting that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen raises the risk of autism in children. Officials have said rising autism rates—now estimated at about one in 31 children, up from roughly one in 150 in 2000—warrant closer examination of commonly used medicines by pregnant women. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is widely used to reduce fever and pain during pregnancy.

In a press conference slated for later today, a Kenvue spokeswoman said: “We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.” She added: “Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy. Without it, women face dangerous choices: Suffer through conditions like fever that are potentially harmful to both mom and baby or use riskier alternatives.” The statement continued: “The facts are that over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism. We stand with the many public health and medical professionals who have reviewed this science and agree. We will continue to explore all options to protect the health interests of the American women and children.”

The pushback comes as the Trump administration has faced similar assertions about autism from other officials in recent weeks, with Mr. Trump himself hinting at a forthcoming discovery during remarks at a memorial service. He suggested the administration would “find an answer to autism” and indicated that authorities would announce a major development on the issue.

Medical experts have criticized the administration’s pending remarks, saying there is no robust evidence linking acetaminophen to autism and warning that acutely limiting access to a widely used pain reliever could have unintended consequences for pregnant women. A number of doctors and researchers have noted that observational studies can show associations but cannot establish causation, particularly given the many biological and environmental factors involved in autism diagnoses.

Researchers have previously explored a possible link between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental outcomes, generating mixed results. A major analysis published in August by scientists from Mount Sinai and Harvard’s School of Public Health reviewed data from dozens of studies involving more than 100,000 participants and described “the strongest evidence so far” of an association with increased risk of ADHD and, in some analyses, autism. The authors urged careful, limited use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and emphasized that the study was observational and could not prove causation.

Major medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, say acetaminophen is generally safe for use during pregnancy when taken as directed and after consulting with a healthcare provider. They stress that fever and pain management must be balanced against potential risks, and they note that unmanaged fever can itself pose risks to both mother and fetus.

Among the broader context, acetaminophen remains one of the most commonly used medicines by pregnant women, with estimates suggesting that about 60 percent take the drug during pregnancy to manage fever or pain. While some researchers have reported associations between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and later neurodevelopmental outcomes, the evidence remains inconsistent across studies, and many in the medical community urge caution in drawing causal conclusions.

Kenvue’s response notes the broader industry and regulatory consensus that acetaminophen, when used appropriately, is among the safest and most clinically supported options for treating pain and fever during pregnancy. The company also indicated that it would continue to monitor scientific findings and engage with health professionals to protect patients and families.

The stock market reaction to the disputed claim underscored the urgency with which companies and investors are treating the issue. Kenvue shares fell about seven percent on the day, trading near the $17 mark after previously hovering around $18.60 prior to the news and the administration’s statements. Analysts cited the sensitivity of consumer healthcare equities to political and regulatory developments, particularly when public health claims touch a broad consumer product like Tylenol.

As the administration proceeds with its planned announcement, experts say the public should expect a careful, data-driven presentation rather than a definitive causal claim grounded in observational studies alone. In the absence of randomized trials, health officials are likely to emphasize the need for ongoing research, while reiterating current guidance from major medical organizations regarding the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. The conversation highlights the ongoing tension between public health messaging, evolving scientific evidence, and the real-world impact on patients who rely on common medications to manage pregnancy-related discomfort and fever.