Correlation vs. causation: Claims of acetaminophen link to autism prompt confusion and questions
Claire Elmer
(Update: Adding video, interview with maternal-fetal medicine specialist)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Concerns are rising after federal officials flagged potential risks with acetaminophen use in pregnancy. Acetaminophen — or Tylenol — is one of the most common over-the-counter medications doctors recommend during pregnancy.
Now, headlines and federal statements suggest a possible link between the medication to autism and developmental delays. The controversial claims have sparked debate and even push-back from many doctors and health officials.
KTVZ News spoke Tuesday with a physician specializing in maternal-fetal medicine on the topic. Dr. Stephanie Ros Saposnik, also a representative of the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, raised concerns over the risks of trusting what she calls shaky science.
“When you rely on folks who really know the scientific method well and really understand how research works, when those folks separately and independently have come to the same conclusion over and over that this drug is safe, I think that should really be the source that is trusted,” she said.
Dr. Ros Saposnik warns the effects of not treating conditions such as maternal fever and infection has been linked to autism, and even fetal death.
She says she is concerned the recent federal statements are based on correlation, not causation. And she hopes the federal health authorities will dig deeper into the studies which have deemed acetaminophen safe, to compare their findings.
“There are, I will very quickly admit, so many things we just don’t know about pregnancy,” Dr. Ros Saposnik said. But this is not one of them. Roosters sing every morning and the sun comes up — that doesn’t mean the rooster’s song is what caused the sun to rise, they just happen at the same time.”
Dr. Ros Saposnik reiterated that physicians and patients have the same goal: to keep mother and baby healthy through pregnancy and beyond. Ensuring you have a doctor whose expertise you trust to discuss your concerns with is critical.
KTVZ News contacted numerous local, state, and national officials and organizations for a variety of prospectives on the controversy. Most declined to speak or provide comment on the matter.
The Oregon Health Authority did provide a statement to KTVZ, saying:
“The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists has reaffirmed safety and benefits of acetaminophen during pregnancy and clearly stated that there is no definitive evidence to suggest that a mother’s acetaminophen use causes autism in her child. Guidance about the use of medicines in pregnancy should be determined with careful review based on clinical expertise and science-backed data.
“Oregon Health Authority remains focused on providing clear, evidence-based information, expanding health care access, protecting communities, and helping all people in Oregon lead healthy lives.”
Representative Emerson Levy, D-Bend, also commented on the issue, saying:
“Outside of the Legislature, I’m a mom, sister and an aunt. A sister to a brother with Down syndrome and an aunt to a nephew with autism. People with disabilities are a gift, a gift to my family and a gift to this community.
“Anyone who has had to wrangle the disability system in this country knows we need more services, not less. For access to be easier not harder. I’m just one person, but my gentle advice to the federal government is to listen to moms, don’t blame them. They know what their kid needs.”
In response to President Trump’s claim regarding acetaminophen and autism, the company Tylenol (makers of acetaminophen products) released the following statement:
“We stand with science, and we stand with you.
“For generations, families have trusted TYLENOL when it matters most.
“Tylenol is one of the most studied medications in history-and is safe when used as directed by expecting mothers, infants, and children.
“The facts remain unchanged: over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals, confirm there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism.
“Acetaminophen is used worldwide as a first line of defense for pain relief and fever reduction, at the recommendation of independent public health and leading medical professionals and in accordance with the product label.
“High fevers and pain are widely recognized as potential risks to a pregnancy if left untreated, especially in the first trimester. Remember to talk to your doctor.
“We prioritize science as the core of how we provide care, and that will never change.
“Have questions about recent media coverage of TYLENOL? Click here.”
With conflicting information and confusing medical terminology circulating, discussing concerns with your trusted medical professional is the most safe, effective route to clarity.