Trump Administration Links Acetaminophen in Pregnancy to Autism, Sparks Science Backlash

Controversial Health Claims from the White House

During a press briefing on September 22, 2025, President Donald Trump, accompanied by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced a series of health recommendations that immediately set off alarms in the scientific community. The centerpiece of the announcement was a claim that acetaminophen autism link – specifically, the use of acetaminophen (commonly known as Tylenol) by pregnant people – could increase the risk of a child developing autism spectrum disorder.

In addition to the drug‑use warning, the administration suggested that medicines derived from folate might serve as a treatment for autism symptoms and urged parents to consider longer intervals between routine childhood vaccinations. The statements were framed as a precautionary approach, urging Americans to "tough out" minor pain rather than reach for over‑the‑counter medication.

Scientific Community Reacts

The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) was among the loudest critics. Chief Science Officer Dr. Alycia Halladay described the acetaminophen claim as "based on limited, conflicting, and inconsistent science," emphasizing that decades of epidemiological research have not produced a clear causal link. ASF’s statement highlighted that existing studies show mixed results, with many failing to control for confounding factors such as genetic predisposition and environmental exposures.

Other experts echoed the sentiment. Dr. Michael Green, a maternal‑fetal medicine specialist, noted that acetaminophen is used by roughly 50% of pregnant individuals worldwide because it is one of the few pain relievers deemed safe for the fetus. He warned that discouraging its use without robust evidence could lead pregnant people to avoid needed pain relief, potentially causing undue stress.

President Alison Singer, a public health advocate, expressed disbelief at Trump’s suggestion that people should "tough out" pain. She drew parallels to past eras when mothers were blamed for autism, arguing that the current narrative risks reviving harmful stigma.

Key points of contention include:

• Absence of new peer‑reviewed data supporting the acetaminophen‑autism hypothesis.
• Potential public health fallout from discouraging a widely used medication during pregnancy.
• The recommendation to space out vaccines runs contrary to established immunization schedules and could lower community immunity.
• Calls for folate‑derived treatments lack clinical trial evidence and may create false hope for families.

The White House has not released any supporting research, and the CDC has reiterated that current vaccine timing guidelines remain safe and effective. As the debate unfolds, many health professionals are urging both policymakers and the public to await rigorous scientific findings before altering medical practices.