Trump Links Prenatal Tylenol to Autism

President Trump announced that acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy may be linked to higher autism risk, urged pregnant women to avoid it, and said the government would relabel the drug and launch a federal research initiative. Medical authorities — including professional societies, state health departments and major hospital systems — sharply pushed back, saying the studies show inconsistent associations and do not establish causation and that acetaminophen remains the safest option in pregnancy when used as directed. Clinicians warned that forgoing treatment for fever or other conditions can harm mother and fetus and advised using the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Fact-checkers debunked broader claims made during the announcement, including that Cuba has 'virtually no autism.' Parents and autism advocates said the administration's rhetoric stigmatized autistic people and risked diverting attention and resources from services and supports. The announcement drew criticism from lawmakers, pundits and scientific groups for overstating the evidence and lacking clear clinical guidance.