Trump officials are expected to link the use of pain reliever Tylenol in pregnant women to increased autism risk, according to reports from U.S. media.
At an event in the Oval Office, the former President will advise pregnant women in the U.S. to take Tylenol, known as paracetamol in many countries, exclusively for alleviating high fevers.
During a memorial service for Charlie Kirk, Trump described an impending 'amazing' announcement concerning autism, claiming it has become 'out of control' and indicating they may have potentially located a cause.
While some studies suggest a correlation between Tylenol use during pregnancy and developmental disorders like autism, many experts argue that these findings are inconsistent and do not establish a causal relationship.
Tylenol, a predominant pain relief medicine available in the U.S. and parts of Canada, contains acetaminophen as its active ingredient. The manufacturer, Kenvue, has defended the medication’s use amongst pregnant women, asserting that reliable scientific research does not support the claim that acetaminophen causes autism.
In a statement, Kenvue expressed concern regarding any implications suggesting a risk to the health of expectant mothers, highlighting that acetaminophen is the safest option for managing pain during pregnancy compared to riskier alternatives.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been approached for comment. Recent commitments by HHS lead Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have aimed at launching extensive research endeavors to investigate autism causation.
Experts have persistently noted the complexities in isolating the causes of autism—an intricate condition thought to arise from a blend of genetic and environmental factors.
The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology along with various medical groups endorse Tylenol as one of the few safe pain relief options for pregnant women. They point to past studies revealing no clear causation between acetaminophen’s prudent use during any trimester and potential fetal developmental complications.
Research findings remain divided. A recent review led by Harvard University's Chan School of Public Health identified potential risks associated with Tylenol use during pregnancy while still advocating for its necessity in managing maternal fever and pain. Conversely, a separate 2024 study found no correlation between Tylenol exposure and autism rates.
Professor Monique Botha from Durham University concluded that current evidence does not convincingly suggest a causal relationship while emphasizing the urgent need for safe pain relief options for pregnant women.
The incidence of autism diagnoses has seen a dramatic surge since 2000, attributed in part to improved awareness and broadened definitions of the condition. Meanwhile, some researchers continue investigations into various environmental factors contributing to autism's escalation.
In the past, Kennedy has promoted unfounded theories connecting autism rates to vaccines, lacking scientific backing.
