Trump Administration Links Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy to Autism, Experts Push Back

The Trump administration has urged pregnant women to limit use of acetaminophen, commonly sold under the brand name Tylenol, citing a potential link to autism spectrum disorder in children. Officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., also expressed support for exploring leucovorin as a possible treatment option for autism.

The Food and Drug Administration announced plans to update acetaminophen labeling to include information on possible associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes such as autism and ADHD when used during pregnancy.

Scientific research on the issue remains divided. A large Swedish study of more than 2 million births found that children whose mothers used acetaminophen during pregnancy appeared to have a slightly higher risk of autism, ADHD, and intellectual disability in general population analyses. However, when researchers compared full siblings, controlling for many genetic and familial factors, no increased risk was found.

Other studies have suggested associations. A systematic review conducted at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai concluded that higher-quality studies more often report links between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and increased risk of autism and ADHD, though causality has not been established.

Major medical organizations caution against overstating the findings. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has said the evidence is inconclusive, and that acetaminophen remains an important treatment for pain and fever during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has reaffirmed its role as a generally safe option when used under medical supervision, noting that untreated fever or pain can also harm both mother and fetus.

At present, researchers agree that more rigorous studies are needed. While some observational data indicate a possible association, no definitive proof exists that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism.

Sources: Reuters, BBC, The Guardian, Washington Post, CBS News, FDA, Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, JAMA Network, Mount Sinai.