Trump and US administration warn: Paracetamol during pregnancy may increase autism risk

The administration of President Donald Trump on September 22, 2025, announced a potential connection between the use of paracetamol (known as Tylenol) by pregnant women and an increased risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in children. In a joint briefing by the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), President Trump and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. urged medical professionals to recommend that pregnant women minimize or avoid taking this pain reliever, citing "accumulating evidence." An official statement published on the White House website emphasizes the need for "bold action" to reduce autism rates in the United States, which, according to the CDC, reached 1 in 36 children in 2025.

The initiative is based on a review of studies, including a 2024 meta-analysis in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, where scientists noted a 20-30% increased risk of ASD with frequent use of paracetamol in the second and third trimesters. However, experts emphasize the contradictory nature of the data: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Autism Science Foundation stated that the connection "is not proven to be causal" and requires further research. "We are concerned that such statements may cause unnecessary anxiety among pregnant women, depriving them of a safe pain relief option," noted Autism Science Foundation Executive Director Alicia Rohan in a press release dated September 22.

As part of the Trump-Kennedy plan, the FDA will issue updated recommendations for doctors: prescribe paracetamol only at the minimum effective dose and for strict indications. Additionally, $50 million in research funding was announced, including testing leucovorin as an alternative treatment for ASD. President Trump emphasized in the briefing: "We don't believe that more pills are always the solution; it's time to put science at the service of the nation's health." This statement caused polarization: Republicans praise the "proactive approach," while Democrats, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, accuse it of "sensationalism" without solid evidence.

Globally, the WHO confirms the safety of paracetamol for pregnant women when used correctly, but recommends monitoring. In Europe, the EMA will tighten labeling in 2026. For American women, this means consulting with doctors: alternatives include ibuprofen (with caution) or non-medicinal methods. Watch for updates from HHS: full recommendations are expected by the end of October.