Trump Puts Tylenol on Trial With Pregnancy Autism Warning

Trump’s latest health announcement sparks fierce debate as experts push back on claims linking Tylenol use in pregnancy to rising autism rates.
Trump Puts Tylenol on Trial With Pregnancy Autism Warning
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Trump Puts Tylenol on Trial With Pregnancy Autism Warning

President Donald Trump announced what he called a “historic day” in America’s approach to autism and children’s health in a surprise move that has generated both excitement and controversy. The President, accompanied by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced new federal guidelines that encourage physicians to advise pregnant women not to take acetaminophen, a common pain reliever marketed under the Tylenol brand, unless it is absolutely necessary.

Trump urged expectant mothers to “fight like hell not to take it,” stating that it is their “responsibility” to limit their use during pregnancy. According to him, acetaminophen ought to be reserved for severe situations like extremely high fevers. According to the White House, recent federal findings that cast doubt on the medication’s safety for developing infants support the ruling.

Shaking Up Medical Advice

The announcement coincides with a more comprehensive overhaul of medical advice, which also involves adjustments to the country’s vaccination schedule. Despite scientific evidence that vaccines do not cause autism, Trump called the current practice “disgraceful” and advocated dividing the combined MMR vaccine into individual doses.

The number of children in the United States who have been diagnosed with autism has increased significantly over the past few decades, from one in 150 in 2000 to one in 31 today. Trump said, “It’s one of the most alarming medical crises in history,” pointing to what he claims are man-made and environmental factors causing the spike.

Potential New Treatments

There was a note of hope mixed with the cautions. Kennedy mentioned leucovorin, a medication made from folic acid, as a promising treatment that some medical professionals believe can help autistic children with their speech and behavior. With plans to make autism treatment widely covered by insurance, the FDA is now thinking about expediting approval.

Families have already reported remarkable outcomes. Leucovorin users report that their children have changed from being almost non-verbal to speaking in complete sentences, a change they say has changed their lives.

Pushback From Experts

Nevertheless, pharmaceutical companies and health experts opposed the new recommendations. In a prompt response, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists cautioned that the administration’s recommendations regarding acetaminophen are “not backed by the full body of scientific evidence.” The manufacturer of Tylenol remained steadfast as well, declaring that “the safest option for pain and fever during pregnancy is Acetaminophen.” There isn’t any solid proof that it causes autism.

Why It Matters

The President presented the announcement as a watershed in the country’s battle against autism, notwithstanding the controversy. Trump stated, “We’ve made a lot of progress, but we don’t yet have all the answers.” “Today is a very significant day.”

The administration claims it is dedicated to tackling autism with what Kennedy referred to as a “relentless pursuit of the truth” and has increased funding, broadened research, and brought new attention to promising treatments.

September 23, 2025

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