The Trump administration plans to announce findings regarding potential links between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism risk, according to reports from The Washington Post and Politico, despite current medical guidelines indicating the medication is safe for pregnant women.
Trump Administration stances on consuming Paracetamol while pregnancy
“President Donald Trump plans to announce that using Tylenol during pregnancy could contribute to autism risk and will advise pregnant women only to use it, or generic acetaminophen, for high fevers,” Politico reported, citing two administration officials.
Paracetamol, known as acetaminophen in the United States and commonly branded as Tylenol, is an over-the-counter analgesic widely used for pain relief. Current medical guidelines maintain its safety profile during pregnancy.
US President Donald Trump indicated Friday that autism rates are “totally out of control” in the United States, adding, “I think we, maybe, have a reason why.” He suggested the announcement could occur during a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk on Sunday, describing it as potentially “one of the most important things that we will do.”
The Wall Street Journal reported in September that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. planned to announce connections between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder.
Research Under Review
Officials are examining previous studies, including an August review by Mount Sinai and Harvard researchers suggesting potential links between Tylenol use in early pregnancy and increased autism risk in children. Simultaneously, attention has turned to leucovorin, a drug typically prescribed to counteract medication side effects and address vitamin B9 deficiency.
These findings have sparked renewed scientific debate about autism’s causes, challenging prevailing views that the condition is primarily genetic and treatment-resistant.
NIH Autism Research
The National Institutes of Health announced the launch of a new autism data science initiative on September 22, awarding grants to 13 research teams studying autism causes and treatments. This initiative, developed by career agency officials, operates separately from a broader NIH autism research review currently underway.
NIH officials emphasize the review should be thorough and guided by career staff rather than rushed to align with political announcements.
White House spokesman Kush Desai highlighted the administration’s autism initiatives: “President Trump pledged to address America’s rising rate of autism, and to do so with Gold Standard Science.”
The announcement raises questions about potential policy changes regarding medication recommendations for pregnant women, though the scientific community continues evaluating existing research on paracetamol safety during pregnancy.
