Trump And RFK Jr. To Link Tylenol In Pregnancy To Autism. Here’s What You Need To Know

Update, Sept. 22: This article, initially published on Sept. 6, has been revised to include President Trump’s announcement on Sept. 21 regarding autism at Charlie Kirk’s memorial service.

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to unveil a report focusing on acetaminophen, the active component of Tylenol, and its implications during pregnancy, as indicated in President Donald Trump’s remarks.

The news, highlighted by The Wall Street Journal, has incited concern within the medical community, particularly since acetaminophen has long been regarded as a safe pain relief option for expectant mothers. Patients are left wondering if it’s riskier to consume the medication while pregnant or if the risk exists from an untreated medical condition. As anticipation builds for this report, it is crucial for the public to comprehend how medical professionals interpret current research and the resulting recommendations.

Is There Any Research Supporting the Link Between Acetaminophen and Autism?

Currently, no studies definitively prove that acetaminophen causes autism.

It’s essential to distinguish between causation and association—terms that can often create confusion. Association refers to two events occurring together without implying a relationship, while causation indicates that one event directly leads to another.

“While there are studies associating the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy with neurodevelopmental disorders, there are also conflicting findings regarding this association,” states Dr. Franziska Haydanek, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist.

An April 2024 study published in JAMA did not link acetaminophen use with autism in pregnant patients. However, a later August 2025 study highlighted an association between Tylenol use and neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, from 27 of the 46 studies evaluated.

Dr. Shannon Clark, an obstetrician-gynecologist and professor at UTMB-Galveston, explains that in the 2024 JAMA study, “when evaluating various pain relievers during pregnancy, all displayed associations with neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring; however, these associations diminished in sibling control analyses. This suggests a potential genetic basis for neurodevelopmental disorders.”

In sibling-control studies, researchers observe outcomes among siblings within the same family, accounting for shared genetics and environment. When associations vanish in this study design, it often indicates that family-related factors, such as genetics, rather than the medication, are likely responsible.

Why Is There Discrepancy in Research Findings?

“The studies showing an association have notable flaws, primarily due to not accounting for confounding variables,” Dr. Clark notes. Confounding variables are hidden factors that can affect both the exposure and the outcome. For instance, if a pregnant woman takes Tylenol for a fever, the fever or the underlying infection could influence the autism risk.

“Moreover, even if one assumes that studies indicate a link between Tylenol and autism, the difference in autism rates between those who took Tylenol and those who did not is minimal. The overwhelming majority of pregnant individuals who took Tylenol in these studies did not have children diagnosed with autism,” Dr. Clark emphasizes. She advises that neurodevelopmental disorders will continue to be difficult to attribute to a single cause due to their multifaceted origins, with genetics playing a significant role.

What Is the Historical Context of the Acetaminophen and Autism Discourse?

Research into the relationship between acetaminophen and autism dates back to the early 2000s. “Two decades later, we still lack comprehensive data to support a causal relationship. While some studies indicate an association, none have conclusively proven that even one dose of Tylenol elevates the autism or ADHD rates among offspring,” according to Haydanek.

Should Expecting Mothers Use Acetaminophen When Needed?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists asserts that “Acetaminophen continues to be a safe and reliable choice for managing pain during pregnancy. Despite recent unfounded claims, there is currently no substantive evidence linking cautious use to developmental issues in fetuses.”

According to Haydanek, she still supports recommending acetaminophen use whenever necessary and at the minimal effective dosage. “We also encourage non-pharmaceutical approaches initially, and should those fail, Tylenol is typically one of our foremost recommendations for managing pain and fevers during pregnancy.” She also notes the acknowledged dangers of maternal fevers, which include unnecessary antibiotics, complications during labor leading to C-sections or hemorrhages, and neurological risks for the fetus.

Standard dosing guidelines for pregnant patients suggest no more than 4,000 mg per day, typically administered as 650 to 1,000 mg every four to six hours.

What Is the Medical Community’s Perspective on Current Data?

“Present data lacks the strength for me to consider withholding Tylenol from my patients when the benefits outweigh the risks. It is a medication that is generally well-received and is one of the few options available for pain relief during pregnancy,” states Haydanek.

Clark adds, “as a maternal-fetal medicine specialist, I confidently endorse that pregnant individuals do not need to shy away from taking Tylenol when necessary. I will persist in recommending it as the primary treatment for fever and pain during pregnancy, given its established benefits. Unmanaged pain and fever have documented adverse outcomes in pregnancy.”

Concerns Regarding Trump’s Statements

The absence of robust evidence has instilled apprehension within the medical community, particularly following the Wall Street Journal article that heightened expectations for the Trump administration’s findings.

If the conclusions drawn are solely based on previously published literature, which is broadly regarded as insufficient for establishing a causal link between acetaminophen and autism, there is concern that inaccurate claims could lead to detrimental effects.

Expectant mothers may avoid treating pain or fever, despite the well-documented risks associated with neglecting these conditions. Furthermore, the autism community—comprising autistic individuals and their families—could experience increased stigmatization if the narrative frames acetaminophen use during pregnancy as a “choice” or “wrong.” Major, evidence-based healthcare entities that advocate for acetaminophen’s safety in pregnancy could find their credibility undermined. This may erode the trust pregnant patients have in healthcare professionals dedicated to their well-being.

The Importance of Focusing on Autism Awareness

Future research should aim to identify the true causes of autism and bolster support for affected individuals, rather than magnifying associations that could instill undue fear in pregnant patients. Misinterpreted or exaggerated reports can disrupt the trust established between patients and healthcare providers. Efforts should concentrate on public education, mitigating stigma, and enhancing support for the autistic community.