WASHINGTON — The Trump administration plans to announce Monday that using the common pain reliever Tylenol during pregnancy could increase the risk of autism in children, according to multiple officials familiar with the matter.
The announcement, expected to be made by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will advise pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen — the active ingredient in Tylenol — unless they are dealing with a high fever. Officials also intend to highlight ongoing efforts to study leucovorin, a medication typically used for cancer and anemia treatments, as a potential therapy for individuals with autism.
President Donald Trump has teased the news in recent public appearances, calling it one of the most significant announcements of his presidency. Speaking at a memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk last week, Trump said his administration had discovered “an answer to autism” and described the upcoming event as “one of the most important news conferences I will ever have.”
The move comes amid ongoing scientific debate over the safety of acetaminophen during pregnancy. Some studies have suggested a possible association between prenatal exposure to the drug and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD, but the evidence remains inconclusive. The Food and Drug Administration has previously stated that acetaminophen is generally safe when used as directed, though it recommends consulting a doctor for use during pregnancy.
Kennedy, a vocal skeptic of certain vaccines and environmental factors in health issues, has long focused on autism research. In April, he referenced the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s latest Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network survey during a department event, though details from that discussion were not immediately available.
Experts in the medical community have pushed back against linking Tylenol to autism, citing large-scale studies that show no causal relationship. A 2024 Swedish study involving 2.4 million births found no connection between in utero paracetamol exposure — paracetamol being the international name for acetaminophen — and autism, ADHD or intellectual disability. “I am exceptionally confident in saying that no relationship exists,” said Dr. Monique Botha, a researcher at Durham University in the United Kingdom.
Other scientists expressed concern that the announcement could deter pregnant women from using a relatively safe pain relief option, potentially leading to greater risks from untreated pain or alternatives. Prof. Dimitrios Siassakos of University College London noted that apparent links in some research vanish when controlling for factors like family history, and warned that focusing on paracetamol might stigmatize families with autistic children.
The administration’s emphasis on leucovorin stems from preliminary research suggesting it could help mitigate some autism symptoms by addressing folate receptor issues in the brain. However, experts caution that more rigorous clinical trials are needed before it can be recommended as a standard treatment.
White House officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the planned announcement or the scientific criticisms.
Autism spectrum disorder affects about 1 in 36 children in the U.S., according to the CDC, with causes believed to involve a complex mix of genetic and environmental factors. The rate has risen in recent decades, prompting increased research and public attention.
The announcement is part of broader health initiatives under Trump’s second term, which has prioritized addressing chronic diseases and developmental disorders.
