On Monday, former President Donald Trump made a controversial claim suggesting a link between Tylenol (acetaminophen) use during pregnancy and autism in children. His statement implied that avoiding certain medications or vaccines could prevent autism, sparking immediate backlash. He also asked U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to confirm his remarks and suggested the FDA would update its guidance to recommend minimizing Tylenol use during pregnancy when possible.
Medical and public health authorities swiftly responded. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated there is no conclusive scientific evidence supporting a connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. According to the WHO, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects about 62 million people globally and is believed to be influenced by multiple, still-unclear factors including genetics and environment.
Former President Barack Obama addressed the issue during a public appearance in London, calling the comments misleading and potentially harmful. Speaking to an audience of 14,000, he described the claims as “violence against the truth,” warning that misinformation of this nature can cause unnecessary fear among pregnant women and hinder progress in autism research and understanding.
Obama emphasized that the apparent increase in autism diagnoses over recent decades is largely due to improved diagnostic tools and greater awareness, rather than a genuine spike in cases. He urged that discussions around autism should be grounded in evidence, not speculation or fear.
Johnson & Johnson, the company behind Tylenol, released a statement defending the drug’s safety profile. They noted that acetaminophen is among the most extensively studied medications in history and remains safe when used as directed by pregnant individuals, infants, and children.
Health experts also cautioned that untreated fever and pain during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester, can pose risks. Pregnant individuals are advised to consult healthcare providers before making medication decisions.
