USA – September 23, 2025 | Ayuda California News
A new controversy sparked this week after a claim that taking Tylenol (known as paracetamol among the Latino community) during pregnancy could cause autism in children.
President Trump stated that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would recommend not prescribing Tylenol, whose active ingredient is acetaminophen, to pregnant women, and that they should “fight like hell” to avoid taking it.
“Tylenol is no good. Pregnant women should only use it if they have an extreme fever,” President Trump declared.
He also announced, alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an initiative to add warning labels to Tylenol products and promote more autism research.
However, the medical and scientific community warns that no solid evidence supports that claim.
What Science Says
Dr. Steven Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, responded firmly:
“The claim that Tylenol causes autism is not supported by the full body of scientific evidence. It dangerously oversimplifies a complex issue and may create unnecessary fear.”
In fact, leading health agencies — including the FDA and CDC — maintain that acetaminophen remains the safest pain reliever during pregnancy when used in proper doses.
The FDA stated clearly:
“While some observational studies have described a possible association between acetaminophen and autism, no causal relationship has been established, and other studies show no link at all.”
What the Studies Show
Dr. Zeyan Liew, a researcher at the Yale School of Public Health, has spent years studying possible connections between acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental disorders:
- Some observational studies have found associations between long-term or frequent use of acetaminophen and a slightly higher risk of developmental issues.
- But there is no conclusive evidence that the drug causes autism.
- Other variables — such as maternal fever, illnesses during pregnancy, or genetic factors — also play a role and could explain observed differences.
“Saying that Tylenol causes autism is premature and scientifically inaccurate,” Liew emphasized. “There is no causal proof, and for now, it remains the safest available pain reliever for pregnant women.”
What Experts Recommend
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) remains the recommended option for treating pain or fever during pregnancy.
- Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration.
- Medications like ibuprofen or aspirin may pose fetal risks, especially after 20 weeks of gestation.
- Pregnant women should always consult their doctor before self-medicating.
The Risk of Misinformation
Organizations such as the National Autistic Society in the UK condemned Trump and Kennedy’s remarks as “irresponsible and harmful.”
“Constant misinformation about autism undermines decades of serious research and contributes to stigma against autistic people and their families.”
Scientists also warn that such statements could cause unnecessary panic among pregnant women, leading them to avoid treating fevers or pain that could actually endanger their babies.
| Claim | Verdict | Scientific Evidence |
| “Tylenol causes autism.” | ❌ False | No proven causal link. Studies show associations, not direct causes. |
| “Pregnant women should completely avoid Tylenol.” | ⚠️ Misleading | Only excessive or prolonged use should be avoided; remains safest option per FDA and CDC. |
| “Science has proven Tylenol is dangerous.” | ❌ False | No scientific consensus or robust evidence supports this. |
At Ayuda California, we promote evidence-based health awareness within the Latino community. We remind you:
- Not every headline reflects scientific truth.
- Always consult your doctor before changing or stopping a treatment.
- Medical misinformation can have real, harmful consequences.
If you have questions about your health or your rights as a patient or consumer, contact us today. Our team can connect you with trusted medical and legal resources in Spanish.
