The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to announce a potential link between paracetamol (acetaminophen, sold as Tylenol in the US) use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism in children. While paracetamol has long been considered safe for use in pregnancy under current medical guidelines, officials cited by Politico and The Washington Post suggest that pregnant women should limit its use to managing high fevers.
President Trump has framed this potential link as part of broader concerns over the rising prevalence of autism in the US, describing the condition as “totally out of control” and implying that paracetamol use during early pregnancy may contribute to the trend. The announcement could coincide with the memorial for conservative activist Charlie Kirk, with the administration signaling that it sees this as a major public health initiative.
The move draws on earlier research, including an August review by Mount Sinai and Harvard researchers, suggesting a possible association between acetaminophen exposure in early pregnancy and elevated autism risk. The administration is also considering studies on leucovorin, a drug used to counteract certain medication side effects and vitamin B9 deficiency, which has sparked debate over non-genetic contributors to autism.
Separately, the US National Institutes of Health is set to launch a new autism data science initiative on September 22, funding 13 research teams to investigate causes and treatment of autism. NIH officials emphasized that their review will be thorough and career-driven, distinct from the administration’s announcement. The White House highlighted that these steps are part of a broader effort to address autism in the US with what it calls “Gold Standard Science.”
