Trump expected to tie autism to Tylenol use; medical experts skeptical

Washington — President Donald Trump is expected to link autism to the use of the pain reliever Tylenol during pregnancy, according to BBC News and other U.S. media reports. The remarks appear to be tied to events staged this week, including an Oval Office appearance and a memorial service, and come amid a long-running public health debate about what factors contribute to autism.

At an Oval Office event on Monday, Trump will reportedly advise pregnant women in the United States to rely on Tylenol to relieve fever and pain rather than other medications, the BBC reported. The White House did not immediately comment. The episode signals a broader pattern in which medical guidance and political messaging intersect in debates over autism and prenatal health.

During Sunday's Charlie Kirk memorial service, Trump said he had an amazing announcement coming on autism, describing the topic as out of control and suggesting there might be a reason behind the rising numbers. The remarks have drawn attention to a longer-running discussion about whether prenatal exposure to certain medicines could influence neurodevelopmental outcomes.

The idea that Tylenol exposure in pregnancy could be linked to autism has been explored in epidemiological studies for years. Some research has suggested a potential association, but findings have been inconsistent and do not establish causation. The consensus among major medical organizations is that autism is a complex syndrome likely arising from a mix of genetic and environmental factors, with no single proven cause. Experts caution against inferring causation from observational studies alone.

Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, defended the drug in a statement to the BBC, saying: "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." The company added that acetaminophen is widely regarded as the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women when used as directed and that avoiding fever and pain without safe alternatives could pose its own risks.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has long identified Tylenol as a safe option for pregnant women, and its members note that earlier studies have not shown a clear, direct relationship between prudent acetaminophen use during any trimester and fetal developmental issues: "Studies that have been conducted in the past show no clear evidence that proves a direct relationship between the prudent use of acetaminophen during any trimester and fetal developmental issues." The group’s position aligns with other major medical bodies that continue to endorse the drug for appropriate use.

In August, a review of research led by the dean of Harvard University’s Chan School of Public Health found that children may be more likely to develop autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders when exposed to Tylenol during pregnancy. The researchers argued that some steps should be taken to limit use of the drug, but they also stressed that acetaminophen remains important for treating maternal fever and pain, which can itself have adverse effects on a fetus. A separate 2024 study found no relationship between prenatal Tylenol exposure and autism, underscoring the inconsistency in the literature.

"There is no robust evidence or convincing studies to suggest there is any causal relationship," said Monique Botha, a professor in social and developmental psychology at Durham University, noting that pain relief for pregnant women is often necessary and that Tylenol is one of the few safe options available. While some scientists argue for caution and further research, others emphasize that a single drug exposure in pregnancy is unlikely to explain the heterogeneity of autism diagnoses.

Autism diagnoses have risen sharply since 2000, and by 2020 the rate among 8-year-olds reached 2.77 percent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Scientists attribute at least part of the rise to increased awareness and broader definitions of the condition, while researchers continue to investigate a range of genetic and environmental factors contributing to risk. The absence of a clear, singular cause has complicated policy discussions about how to reduce risk or allocate research resources.

In April, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., then head of the Health and Human Services Department, pledged a "massive testing and research effort" to determine the cause of autism within five months. Experts cautioned that identifying a singular causative factor is unlikely and that progress will require long-term, multidisciplinary work.

As Monday’s events unfold, the episode highlights how public health science can intersect with political messaging on topics as sensitive as autism and pregnancy. While researchers continue to study early-life exposures and neurodevelopment, the prevailing scientific view remains that acetaminophen use during pregnancy is not proven to cause autism and should be weighed against the risks of untreated fever or pain. The BBC has said it sought comment from HHS, which has yet to respond publicly, illustrating how political debates can outpace scientific consensus in the public sphere.