Washington, D.C. — September 23, 2025
The Trump administration announced on Monday that the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy may be linked to an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sparking widespread discussion and concern across medical, scientific, and public communities.
At a press briefing, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described the forthcoming announcement as part of the administration’s commitment to addressing the root causes of chronic diseases and conditions. However, when pressed for details on the scientific basis of the claim, Leavitt declined to provide specifics, urging the public not to jump to conclusions until the full information is released.
The Announcement and Its Context
Tylenol, known generically as acetaminophen or paracetamol, is one of the most commonly used painkillers globally, especially among pregnant individuals, with approximately half reportedly using it during pregnancy. The new focus by the Trump administration on a potential link with autism has caused notable ripples in markets, with shares of Tylenol’s maker, Kenvue, dropping following the news.
Former President Donald Trump publicly emphasized a strong connection, reportedly calling Tylenol “a very big factor” in autism risk, aligning with advocacy by figures like RFK Jr., who have also raised concerns about autism and environmental or pharmaceutical exposures.
Scientific Perspective: Evidence and Controversies
While autism’s prevalence has increased in some regions over recent decades, understanding its causes remains complex. Autism spectrum disorder is characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, and it is widely accepted in the scientific community that autism has multifactorial origins, including genetic and environmental factors.
Leading experts and research organizations caution that, currently, there is no definitive evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes autism. James Cusack, CEO of the UK-based autism research charity Autistica and an autistic individual himself, explained that associations, if any, are “very, very small” and warned against oversimplified conclusions: “At the heart of this is people trying to look for simple answers to complex problems.”
This scientific skepticism is underscored by comprehensive reviews which highlight that while acetaminophen crosses the placental barrier and is widely used, studies to date have not yielded conclusive causal links to developmental disorders like autism. Some experts fear that emphasizing such potential links without robust data could lead to unnecessary alarm among pregnant people and complicate pain management during pregnancy.
Global Context: Is Cuba Free from Autism?
The discussion about autism’s prevalence includes international perspectives. Some reports have suggested that Cuba has very low or negligible recorded autism rates, sometimes cited in debates about environmental or medical factors influencing autism. However, experts attribute such findings more to differences in diagnosis, awareness, and reporting infrastructure rather than genuine absence of the condition.
Autism is now recognized as a global neurodevelopmental condition, and low prevalence in some countries often reflects underdiagnosis or lack of systematic screening rather than a true lack of cases.
What This Means for Pregnant Individuals
Given the widespread use of acetaminophen for pain and fever relief, especially when other medications are limited or contraindicated during pregnancy, health professionals advise that pregnant individuals should not discontinue prescribed medications without consulting healthcare providers.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that it will monitor the situation closely and suggested that more information will be forthcoming from ongoing investigations into autism risk factors.
Conclusion
The Trump administration’s announcement has brought renewed attention to the possible environmental risk factors in autism etiology but also highlights the tension between emerging hypotheses and the need for rigorous scientific evidence. While caution and further research are warranted, experts emphasize the importance of balanced public messaging to avoid undue panic.
As investigations continue, pregnant individuals are encouraged to consult with their healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding medication use.