On Monday, President Donald Trump, alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, announced a new federal initiative requiring updated warning labels on acetaminophen products such as Tylenol. The change, unveiled at a White House press conference, will caution against the drug’s use during pregnancy due to a possible link with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children.
The administration framed the move as part of a broader response to the rising prevalence of autism in the United States. Trump described the decision as “a necessary step to protect future generations,” though critics were quick to point out that the scientific evidence behind the policy remains inconclusive.
Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol, issued a sharp rebuttal following the announcement:
“We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned about the health risks and confusion this poses for expecting mothers and parents,” the company stated.
Kenvue emphasized that acetaminophen has long been considered safe when used as directed, citing decades of research and widespread clinical use.
The Autism Science Foundation and other experts condemned the administration’s announcement as “dangerous,” warning it could scare pregnant women away from effective pain relief without providing proven alternatives. They argue that existing studies show correlation but no causation, and that overstating the data risks undermining public trust.
The FDA’s updated guidance advises pregnant women to use “the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration,” while acknowledging that no direct causal link between acetaminophen and autism has been established.
Reaction online has been deeply polarized. Supporters praised the administration for taking what they called a “bold stance” on autism prevention, while critics accused officials of fueling fear and politicizing public health.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced plans for further research to clarify acetaminophen’s safety profile, underscoring that for now, the debate remains unresolved.
As the new labeling rules move forward, the announcement has sparked a high-profile clash between politics, science, and public health, leaving many expectant mothers caught in the middle of an unsettled medical controversy.
