During a televised address, President Donald Trump advised pregnant women to avoid taking acetaminophen, stating that “if you can’t tough it out,” limited use might be necessary, but “ideally you don’t take it at all.” He framed this guidance as part of his administration’s effort to address rising autism rates in the U.S., noting that “there is mounting evidence finding a connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism.”
Acetaminophen, commonly used to relieve pain and reduce fever, has long been considered one of the safest over-the-counter medications for pregnant women. However, concerns about potential long-term neurodevelopmental effects have prompted research and discussions among health professionals.
Following the statement, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt released a press memo reinforcing the administration’s position. She emphasized that “popping more pills is not always the answer for better health” and cited research linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to autism in children. Leavitt added that the administration is “deploying Gold Standard Science” to address rising autism rates.
The scientific community reacted sharply. Helen Tager-Flusberg, director of the Center for Autism Research Excellence at Boston University and founder of the Coalition of Autism Scientists, described the statement as “appalling.”
She explained, “There’s absolutely no evidence out there to support the kind of strong statement that we heard from President Trump.” Experts warned that such statements could spread misinformation and heighten guilt or anxiety among expectant mothers.
Some mothers echoed this concern. Lindsey Corey, a 41-year-old mother of two, expressed concern about how the rhetoric could affect women relying on acetaminophen for fever or pain.
“The guilt that you can impart on a mother, the guilt that she may feel that she caused autism to her child — it is so incredibly sad,” Corey told The New York Times.
Trump’s remarks highlight a valid concern: the safety of acetaminophen use during pregnancy. His statement was driven by research by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which suggests a potential association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and higher risks of autism or ADHD.
Scientists continue to debate the potential risks of acetaminophen for pregnant women. In contrast to Harvard’s position, a 2024 analysis in JAMA found no significant association. A 2025 study in BMC Environmental Health indicated that higher-quality studies are needed before a conclusion can be made. Most physicians still consider acetaminophen the safest pain reliever during pregnancy when used responsibly, but further research may change current guidelines for its use.
These events also highlight broader questions about maternal and fetal health. While Trump’s statement is controversial, it highlights the importance of studying environmental, pharmaceutical and lifestyle factors that may influence child development.
Health communication is also critical. Accurate and nuanced guidance can empower expectant mothers to make informed decisions without inducing unnecessary anxiety. Experts emphasize that research-based information, combined with supportive medical counseling, is essential for promoting healthy outcomes for both mothers and children.
The goal should be to instill in patients a sense of informed caution, not fear. Pregnant women should consult medical professionals before taking any medication. Awareness of potential risks is valuable, but alarmist messaging can increase stress during an already sensitive period. Public health authorities must balance the need for precaution with clear communication that does not cause panic.
Ultimately, Trump’s remarks demonstrate how science can quickly become politicized. The current administration’s take on acetaminophen’s use is founded on data with no clear consensus.
Additional research is necessary to establish a clearer link between ADHD and autism with fetal exposure of acetaminophen.
