Anna Hartz
Tylenol Controversy Sparks Discussion About Autism Causes
Medicine is one of the most sensitive subjects for public debate. When health concerns meet politics, discussions can quickly turn heated.
That is exactly what is happening in the United States, where Tylenol, a common painkiller, has suddenly become the center of a national argument.
An “Amazing” Announcement?
According to American media, officials in Donald Trump’s administration plan to connect the use of Tylenol during pregnancy with autism, writes Digi24.
At an Oval Office event on Monday, Trump is expected to advise that pregnant women use only Tylenol to manage high fevers.
On Sunday, at a memorial service for Charlie Kirk, Trump teased what he called an “amazing” announcement about autism.
He said autism was “out of control” but suggested there might now be a reason for it.
Possible Links
Some studies have found possible links between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and autism. But the results are inconsistent, and researchers agree there is no proof the drug causes the condition.
Tylenol’s manufacturer, Kenvue, strongly defended the medication. The company said independent scientific studies show no evidence that acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, causes autism.
They warned that suggesting otherwise could put pregnant women at risk, since acetaminophen is considered the safest pain relief option available to them. Without it, women may have to choose between untreated fever or riskier alternatives.
No Clear Cause
Health experts are cautious. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who heads the Department of Health and Human Services, said in April that a massive research effort would soon look into the causes of autism.
But doctors say the condition is complex and has been studied for decades without a single clear cause. Most specialists believe it is influenced by both genetics and environment.
No Definitive Answer Despite Trump Administration’s Concluding Statements
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has also weighed in. They continue to identify Tylenol as one of the few safe options for pregnant women.
Other major medical groups and governments worldwide share this view.
Research reviews remain divided. A Harvard-led review in August suggested possible risks but still supported Tylenol’s role in treating fever and pain. A separate 2024 study found no link at all.
Autism diagnoses have risen sharply in recent decades, with U.S. data showing nearly 3 percent of eight-year-olds identified with the condition in 2020.
Scientists say wider definitions and greater awareness play a large role in those numbers.
This article is made and published by Anna Hartz, which may have used AI in the preparation
