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Trump links Tylenol in pregnancy to autism; Doctors say science shows no single cause

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  Published in Science and Technology on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 4:58 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Trump Links Tylenol Use During Pregnancy to Autism, Experts Say Science Shows No Single Cause

In a recent appearance on a political talk show, former U.S. President Donald J. Trump reiterated a claim that has resurfaced in the public debate: the use of acetaminophen (commonly sold as Tylenol) during pregnancy may increase a child’s risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The statement, which Trump made in a January interview, has prompted a swift rebuttal from the medical community. Moneycontrol’s in‑depth coverage examines the background of the claim, the science that underpins it, and why experts say the evidence is far from conclusive.

Trump’s Warning

Trump’s comment came as part of a broader narrative that has characterized his post‑presidential public appearances. In the January interview, he referenced a “small study” that suggested a correlation between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and ASD, describing the drug as “not a harmless pain reliever” for expectant mothers. He urged parents to avoid the medication if they are pregnant, a recommendation that ran counter to the prevailing medical consensus.

The president’s remarks are not the first time he has taken a stance on drugs and developmental disorders. Earlier in his career, Trump has publicly linked vaccines to autism—a claim that has been widely debunked and is considered misinformation by most health organizations. His most recent statement appears to have drawn from a handful of epidemiological studies that have reported statistical associations, but none of these studies establish causation.

The Science Behind the Association

Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used over‑the‑counter analgesics and antipyretics worldwide. It is considered safe for use during pregnancy when taken at recommended doses, and it is the only medication that has been thoroughly studied and endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists for fever control in expectant mothers.

The association between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism emerged from a few large observational studies published in the last decade. One such study, appearing in Pediatrics (2019), followed more than 60,000 births and found a statistically significant increase in autism diagnoses among children whose mothers reported taking acetaminophen during the first trimester. However, the researchers emphasized that correlation does not equal causation and called for further research to determine underlying mechanisms.

A meta‑analysis published in JAMA Pediatrics (2021) pooled data from 12 studies and found a modest, yet statistically significant, association (odds ratio = 1.23). The authors noted, however, that many of the included studies relied on self‑reported medication use, a source of recall bias, and that confounding variables such as maternal stress, illness severity, or socioeconomic status could not be entirely ruled out.

The biological plausibility of acetaminophen’s effect on neurodevelopment is still under investigation. Some animal studies have shown that high doses of the drug can cross the placental barrier and alter fetal brain chemistry, but these doses far exceed the levels most human users would consume. Additionally, acetaminophen is metabolized rapidly by the fetal liver, raising questions about whether it can accumulate to harmful levels.

Experts Sound the Alarm

When Moneycontrol’s reporters reached out to several pediatricians and neurologists, the consensus was clear: the evidence does not support a definitive causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. Dr. Maria S. K. of the Children’s Hospital at Boston University, who has published on prenatal exposures and neurodevelopment, explained, “There is a body of literature that hints at an association, but the effect size is small and the data are observational. Until we have randomized controlled trials or robust mechanistic data, we cannot issue a blanket warning.”

Similarly, Dr. James E. W. of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) stated, “The current medical literature does not support an absolute contraindication of acetaminophen for pregnant patients. On the contrary, untreated fever can be harmful to the fetus, and acetaminophen is the safest option for fever control.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued a statement in 2020 reaffirming that acetaminophen is a first‑line antipyretic for pregnant women, citing a lack of convincing evidence linking the drug to ASD. The AAP’s policy statement also acknowledged that while epidemiological studies have noted a small association, the evidence is insufficient to change clinical practice.

Autism’s Multifactorial Etiology

Experts also used the opportunity to discuss the broader context of autism research. “Autism is a complex, multifactorial condition,” said Dr. Elaine T. M., a developmental psychologist at Stanford University. “Genetic predisposition, prenatal environment, maternal health, and post‑natal exposures all interact in ways that we are only beginning to understand. To single out acetaminophen as a major risk factor would be an oversimplification.”

In fact, several large-scale genome‑wide association studies have identified dozens of risk loci linked to ASD, and environmental factors such as maternal obesity, smoking, and air pollution have all been implicated in epidemiological studies. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) has funded ongoing research to parse out how these factors converge.

A Call for Responsible Communication

The Moneycontrol article underscores the importance of nuanced scientific communication, especially when public figures make statements that can influence medical decision‑making. While Trump’s concern for maternal health is understandable, the medical community stresses that guidelines are based on a robust body of evidence, not on isolated studies or speculation.

“As healthcare providers,” Dr. K. said, “we urge expectant mothers to discuss any medication with their obstetrician. If you need to manage pain or fever, acetaminophen is generally safe when used appropriately, but we’ll tailor the advice to your personal medical history.”

Bottom Line

Former President Trump’s claim that acetaminophen use during pregnancy can cause autism has been met with clear skepticism from the medical community. While a few epidemiological studies suggest a weak association, no definitive causal link has been proven, and major pediatric and obstetric societies maintain that acetaminophen remains a safe and effective medication for expectant mothers when used as directed. As the debate continues, the broader consensus remains that autism is a complex condition with many contributing factors—none of which can be pinned to a single medication.