White House links Tylenol use among pregnant women to increased risk of autism
Erika McGuire
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Trump Administration on Monday linked the use of acetaminophen among pregnant women may be linked to an increased risk of autism.
Tylenol is a popular form of acetaminophen, and has been the only pain medicine recommended for pregnant women. The medicine can be used to reduce fevers. Critics have made a number of unfounded claims over the years over what directly leads to autism in children, as diagnoses have risen over the past several decades.
“Effective immediately, the FDA will be notifying physicians that the use of acetaminophen can be associated with a very increased risk of autism,” Trump said during a televised news conference.. “For this reason, they are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol used during pregnancy unless medically necessary.”
The Illinois Kids Development Study found about 70% of pregnant women take Tylenol at least once during their pregnancy.
During Monday’s press conference, Trump and Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said they have been working to link the root cause of autism for 20 years.
However, studies done over the years have shown there is no direct link between autism and acetaminophen.
A study done by JAMA in April 2024, found the active ingredient in Tylenol during pregnancy was not associated with the increased risk of autism, ADHA or intellectual disability in children.
Dr. Steven Fleischman with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists pushed back against the administration’s claims online.
“Suggestions that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism are not only highly concerning to clinicians but also irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients, including those who may need to rely on this beneficial medicine during pregnancy,” Fleischman said.
Kennedy said during the conference that the FDA will begin the process of updating the Tylenol label to include warnings about potential increased risks of autism.
Data from the Missouri Autism and Development Monitoring, collected in 2022 found one-and-31 8-year-olds have autism in Missouri. The data was collected in the St. Louis area.
MADM found IQ data for nearly 65% of 8-year-old children identified with autism, of those children 32.5% had an intellectual disability.
By race, the amount 8-year-olds, it found 55% of Pacific Island children and 35% of black children in the study were more likely to be identified with autism compared to 28% of white children in the same age group.