Trump Administration Cites Potential Link Between Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy and Autism Risk
WASHINGTON – In a surprising proclamation Monday, the Trump administration, through representatives including former President Trump and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, indicated a potential connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children. The move has sparked immediate debate amongst medical professionals and the pharmaceutical industry.
Former President Trump urged pregnant individuals to “limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary,” specifically citing instances of “extremely high fever” as an exception. the administration is encouraging physicians to “prescribe the lowest effective dose with the shortest necessary duration and only when treatment is required,” according to remarks made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
The FDA released a statement acknowledging a “considerable body of evidence about potential risks associated with acetaminophen,” but emphasized the ultimate decision rests with parents. “Even with this body of evidence, the choice still belongs with parents,” stated Dr. Makary. “The precautionary principle may lead many to avoid using acetaminophen during pregnancy… It remains reasonable, however, for pregnant women to use acetaminophen in certain scenarios.”
Alongside the acetaminophen announcement, the FDA also approved leucovorin, a drug to treat cerebral folate deficiency, wich is associated with autism.
The move comes despite numerous studies failing to establish a definitive link between acetaminophen and autism, and strong opposition from kenvue, the maker of Tylenol. “We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism,” Kenvue stated, expressing “deep concern” over the potential health risks to expecting mothers. The company further asserted that “over a decade of rigorous research… confirms ther is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism.”
The American college of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has pushed back against the administration’s claims. Dr. Steven Fleischman, ACOG’s president, stated the association will “continue to recommend Tylenol as the safest painkiller during pregnancy,” calling suggestions of a causal link “highly concerning” and “irresponsible.”
This announcement arrives as autism diagnoses in the United States have risen considerably. The Centers for Disease control and Prevention (CDC) reported a rate of 1 in 36 children (2.77%) aged 8 were diagnosed with autism in 2020, a substantial increase from the 0.66% rate in 2000. While research continues to explore the causes of autism, many scientists believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors are at play. Kennedy has previously attributed a perceived ”autism epidemic” to “environmental toxins.”
