URGENT UPDATE: President Donald Trump is set to announce a controversial claim linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to increased autism risk at a press conference today at 4:00 PM local time (2000 GMT). This announcement has raised significant alarms among medical experts who stress that the current research on this issue is inconclusive.
This developing story comes as the administration pushes for answers about the causes of autism, a complex condition that many experts believe is largely genetic. Trump’s announcement is expected to be accompanied by findings from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his controversial views on vaccines, who has vowed to release more information by September 2025. Trump described today’s event as “one of the most important news conferences I’ll ever have,” stirring curiosity and concern among the public.
The focus on acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, has already attracted criticism from major medical groups. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists maintains that Tylenol is one of the safest options for pain relief and fever reduction during pregnancy. Doctors caution against its long-term use, while ibuprofen is generally regarded as unsafe after the 20th week of pregnancy.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt urged the press to reserve judgment until after the announcement, stating, “everyone in this room needs to tone down the judgment before you even hear what people are going to say.” However, skepticism remains high as reports indicate that the announcement may also discuss a potential autism treatment involving the drug leucovorin, a topic that requires extensive further research.
A recent literature review published last month noted a possible link between Tylenol exposure and autism, but conflicting studies exist. Researchers warn that pregnant individuals should not cease taking medications without consulting healthcare providers. David Mandell, a psychiatric epidemiologist at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasized that the risks of taking Tylenol during pregnancy are “likely lower than the risk of having an uncontrolled infection.”
Critics, including the Coalition of Autism Scientists, have labeled the administration’s claims as “highly irresponsible and potentially dangerous,” cautioning against oversimplifying the complex relationship between environmental factors and autism. They argue that Kennedy’s upcoming announcement could foster confusion and fear among parents.
As the clock ticks down to Trump’s announcement, the medical community and the public are on high alert. The implications of linking Tylenol to autism risk could have widespread consequences for expectant parents and public health discussions moving forward.
Stay tuned for live updates as this story unfolds.
