WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a high-profile White House briefing on September 22, 2025, President Donald Trump, flanked by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other top administration officials, sounded the alarm on a potential connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an elevated risk of autism in children. The announcement, framed as a cornerstone of the newly unveiled Autism Action Plan, drew on observational studies to urge expectant mothers to steer clear of the common pain reliever—widely known by its brand name Tylenol—unless absolutely necessary for managing severe fevers.
“Folks, we’ve got to protect our kids, and that starts before they’re even born,” President Trump declared during the briefing. “These studies are showing a clear link between taking Tylenol while pregnant and autism. It’s time we listen to the science and make some changes. No more ignoring this—our administration is acting now.”
The Autism Action Plan, described by officials as a comprehensive strategy to address rising autism rates, includes directives for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to revise product labels for acetaminophen-containing medications. These updates will highlight the purported risks associated with prenatal exposure, emphasizing caution for pregnant women. Additionally, the plan calls for a nationwide awareness campaign to educate healthcare providers and the public on alternative pain management options during pregnancy.
Secretary Kennedy, a longtime advocate for vaccine and environmental health concerns, echoed the president’s sentiments, citing a body of observational research that suggests acetaminophen could disrupt fetal brain development. “We’ve seen correlations in multiple studies where prenatal exposure increases the odds of autism spectrum disorders,” Kennedy stated. “This isn’t about banning Tylenol outright—it’s about informed choices. For those severe cases, like high fevers that could harm the baby, it’s still an option. But otherwise, let’s explore safer alternatives.”
As part of the initiative, the administration is also promoting the use of leucovorin, a form of folic acid, as a potential treatment for certain children with autism. Officials referenced preliminary research indicating that leucovorin might help mitigate symptoms in subsets of autistic individuals by addressing metabolic issues potentially linked to acetaminophen exposure or other factors.
The briefing comes amid ongoing debates over autism’s causes, with the administration positioning itself as a champion for “overlooked” environmental and pharmaceutical contributors. Trump administration officials argued that mainstream medical consensus has downplayed these risks, potentially due to pharmaceutical industry influence.
However, the announcement has sparked immediate pushback from leading medical organizations. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reiterated its stance that acetaminophen remains the safest over-the-counter pain reliever for pregnant women when used as directed. In a statement released shortly after the briefing, ACOG emphasized that large-scale epidemiological studies, including cohort analyses adjusting for confounding variables like maternal illness or genetics, have found no causal relationship between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism.
“While observational studies may show associations, they do not prove causation,” said Dr. Elena Ramirez, a spokesperson for ACOG. “After controlling for factors such as infections or family history, the evidence does not support restricting acetaminophen. It’s crucial for managing pain and fever in pregnancy, and alternatives like ibuprofen carry their own risks, especially in later trimesters.”
Other experts, including pediatric neurologists from the American Academy of Pediatrics, have echoed these concerns, warning that the administration’s messaging could lead to unnecessary anxiety among pregnant individuals or prompt them to avoid needed treatments, potentially endangering maternal and fetal health.
The FDA, while committing to label updates, noted in a preliminary response that any changes would be evidence-based and subject to scientific review. Awareness efforts are slated to roll out in the coming months, potentially including public service announcements and partnerships with prenatal care providers.
This development marks the latest in President Trump’s second-term focus on health policy reforms, building on his administration’s emphasis on “America First” approaches to public health challenges. Critics argue it reflects a pattern of prioritizing anecdotal or preliminary data over established consensus, while supporters hail it as a bold step toward transparency and prevention.
As the debate unfolds, expectant parents are advised to consult their healthcare providers for personalized guidance on medication use during pregnancy. The White House has promised further details on the Autism Action Plan in the coming weeks, including potential research funding allocations.
