US Health Officials Urge Caution on Prenatal Acetaminophen Amid Autism Risk Concerns

Recent claims by President Donald Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linking acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy to autism in children have been widely criticized by medical experts as lacking scientific support. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended pregnant women use acetaminophen at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, but did not assert a causal link to autism. Experts emphasize that autism is complex and multifactorial, with no definitive evidence that acetaminophen causes the condition. Critics also warn that oversimplifying autism's causes fuels stigma and distracts from effective care and support for autistic individuals and their families. Additionally, concerns were raised about the administration's approach to vaccines and autism, with experts affirming vaccine safety and cautioning against misinformation. Overall, medical professionals urge nuanced understanding and evidence-based guidance rather than fear-driven public health messages.