Autism Groups Community respond Trump RFK Autism Tylenol. Trump Administration Stuns Medical Community with Claim Linking Tylenol Use in Pregnancy to Autism
Announcement with HHS Secretary Kennedy Jr. contradicts decades of medical consensus, drawing sharp rebuke from doctors and advocacy groups
Autism Groups Community respond Trump RFK Autism Tylenol
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a move that has ignited immediate controversy, the Trump administration asserted on Monday that using Tylenol during pregnancy may increase the risk of autism in children—a claim that directly challenges established medical guidance.
Flanked by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other officials, President Donald Trump announced that the Food and Drug Administration would soon advise physicians to strongly discourage pregnant patients from using acetaminophen unless medically necessary, such as for treating dangerously high fever.
"The evidence has become clear," President Trump stated during the press briefing. "We believe mothers deserve to know the potential risks associated with this common medication."
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The announcement represents a dramatic shift from longstanding medical consensus. Major health organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), have consistently maintained that acetaminophen is one of the few pain relievers generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Medical Experts Voice Alarm
Within hours of the announcement, medical organizations expressed profound concern. ACOG released a statement warning that the administration's claims could "cause unnecessary fear and lead to untreated conditions that pose real risks to both pregnant people and their babies."
The scientific community has long held that autism spectrum disorder develops from a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors, with no single cause identified. While some studies have explored potential associations between acetaminophen and neurodevelopment, research has produced mixed results, and no definitive causal link has been established.
"Correlation is not causation," emphasized Dr. Paul Offit, a pediatrician and vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "To suggest a direct link based on current evidence is scientifically irresponsible and will undoubtedly cause harm."
Vaccine Skepticism Resurfaces
During the same briefing, President Trump revisited previously debunked claims about childhood vaccines, suggesting that the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and hepatitis B vaccines might contribute to autism—a theory thoroughly disproven by extensive scientific research.
Secretary Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, endorsed leucovorin, a folate-based drug used in cancer treatment, as a potential therapy for autism, despite limited evidence supporting its efficacy for this purpose.
The American Academy of Pediatrics responded swiftly, stating, "Vaccines are among the safest and most effective medical interventions available. Any suggestion otherwise undermines public health and puts children at risk."
Autism Community Reacts
Advocacy groups representing autistic individuals condemned the administration's characterization of autism as something to be prevented or cured.
"This rhetoric is deeply damaging," said Julia Bascom, executive director of the Autistic Self Advocacy Network. "It perpetuates the harmful notion that autism is a tragedy to be avoided rather than a form of natural human diversity."
Dr. Sara Rodrigues of the Balanced Learning Center noted that the focus on unproven causes distracts from meaningful support.
"What autistic people and their families need is acceptance, appropriate services, and inclusion—not fearmongering about unproven risks."
What's Next for Patients and Providers
The FDA has not yet released its formal guidance, leaving many obstetricians in a difficult position. Most providers are expected to continue following established medical guidelines until rigorous evidence supports changing recommendations.
Pregnant patients are advised to consult their healthcare providers before making any changes to medication regimens, as untreated pain or fever can pose significant risks to both maternal and fetal health.
The administration's announcement has set the stage for a heated scientific and political debate, with many experts concerned about the potential consequences of politicizing complex medical issues.
(For the latest medical guidance on medication use during pregnancy, consult the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists or speak directly with your healthcare provider.)
