Former U.S. President Donald Trump has made headlines by claiming that taking Tylenol (paracetamol) during pregnancy is linked to autism in children. He also repeated discredited claims that vaccines contribute to rising autism rates. The announcements came at a press conference on September 22, 2025, where he urged pregnant women to avoid using Tylenol unless absolutely necessary.
Medical experts and major health organisations quickly pushed back. The evidence linking paracetamol exposure during pregnancy to autism is widely considered inconsistent, and no strong scientific consensus supports the claims. The World Health Organization stated that current studies do not prove a causal relationship.
Manufacturers of Tylenol (paracetamol) also rejected the claims, saying that decades of research support its safety when used appropriately during pregnancy. They warned that if pregnant women avoid paracetamol entirely, they may be forced to use less safe alternatives or leave fevers or pain untreated, which could carry their own risks.
Some research has suggested possible associations, but experts emphasise that association is not causation. Large studies — including one involving nearly 2.5 million children in Sweden — found no increase in autism risk linked to paracetamol use during pregnancy.
Health authorities also raised concerns that the claim could lead to confusion or fear among pregnant people. They advised that any medication decisions should be made in consultation with doctors, and that existing guidelines which regard paracetamol as a generally safe pain relief option should continue to be trusted.
