Trump’s Unsubstantiated Claims Linking Pregnancy, Tylenol and Autism Examined

President Donald Trump’s recent recommendation that pregnant women avoid Tylenol has sparked significant backlash from medical experts who dispute his claims linking the painkiller to autism. During his announcement Monday, Trump urged pregnant women to “fight like hell not to take it,” but researchers maintain there is no proven connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism.

The president’s statement included several inaccurate claims about autism rates and causes. While autism diagnoses have indeed increased over time, Trump’s figures were incorrect. He stated that rates have increased by more than 400% since 2000, claiming historical rates of 1 in 20,000 and then 1 in 10,000. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recorded a rate of 1 in 150 in 2000, which has since risen to 1 in 31 based on 2022 data.

Medical experts attribute this increase primarily to expanded diagnostic criteria and greater awareness rather than environmental factors. Scientists now recognize autism spectrum disorder encompasses a wide range of traits and symptoms, leading to more diagnoses as educational services and understanding have grown.

Trump’s central claim about Tylenol during pregnancy being “associated with a very increased risk of autism” contradicts scientific consensus. Even the Food and Drug Administration, under his own administration, took a much more measured stance, merely suggesting doctors “should consider minimizing” acetaminophen use during pregnancy.

Research clearly shows that genetics represent the most significant autism risk factor. While some observational studies have suggested a possible link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism, many others have found no connection. These studies cannot establish causation, as they cannot determine whether the medication or the underlying condition necessitating the medication was responsible for any observed associations.

The Coalition of Autism Scientists has noted that acetaminophen use during pregnancy has not increased in parallel with autism rates, further weakening the proposed connection.

Trump’s assertion that “there’s no downside in not taking it” was strongly refuted by leading medical organizations. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasize that untreated fevers during pregnancy can increase risks of birth defects, premature births, and miscarriages. Both organizations maintain that acetaminophen is a safe and necessary option for pregnant women when medically indicated.

The president made several other unsubstantiated claims during his announcement, including suggesting Cuba has “essentially no autism” because “they don’t have Tylenol.” In reality, autism awareness has been growing in Cuba, where paracetamol (acetaminophen) is widely prescribed without restrictions. The country has launched awareness campaigns and established educational institutions for autistic children.

Trump also incorrectly stated that the Amish community has “essentially no autism.” While limited research exists on autism prevalence in Amish communities, studies have confirmed autism cases do exist. Braxton Mitchell, an epidemiologist with 30 years of experience working with Amish communities, confirmed autism’s presence and noted that many Amish do use Tylenol.

The president significantly exaggerated childhood vaccination schedules, referring to “a vat of 80 different vaccines.” The current schedule recommends protection against 18 diseases administered at different ages, totaling about three dozen shots between birth and age 18, not counting annual vaccines like flu shots.

Leading advocacy groups for people with autism and scientific organizations have repeatedly confirmed there is no link between vaccines and autism, despite Trump’s suggestions to the contrary.

Medical experts warn that Trump’s recommendation to space out or delay vaccines puts children at unnecessary risk. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, delaying vaccination leaves children vulnerable during periods when they face the highest risk of disease.

As public health officials work to correct the record on these issues, they emphasize the importance of following evidence-based medical advice during pregnancy and childhood development.