Trump to Link Tylenol Use in Pregnancy to Autism Risk: Experts Raise Alarms

Trump Reportedly Links Autism to Tylenol, but Experts Remain Skeptical In a move that has sparked controversy among medical professionals, US President Donald Trump is expected to announce on Monday that the use of pain reliever Tylenol in pregnant women may be linked to autism. According to reports, Trump will advise pregnant women to only take Tylenol for high fevers during an Oval Office event. The announcement comes after Trump made comments at a memorial service on Sunday, stating that he had an "amazing" announcement regarding autism, which is "out of control." He hinted that the reason behind this trend might be linked to the use of Tylenol, a popular brand of pain relief medication sold in the US and other countries. However, many experts are skeptical about the proposed link between Tylenol and autism. Some studies have suggested a possible connection between pregnant women taking Tylenol and an increased risk of autism, but these findings are inconsistent and do not prove causation. The active ingredient in Tylenol is acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol outside North America. "We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that Tylenol is safe for use by pregnant women," said a spokesperson for Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, in a statement to the BBC. "We will continue to work with regulatory agencies and medical professionals to ensure that our product remains available to those who need it." The proposed link between Tylenol and autism has significant implications for public health policy and pregnant women's healthcare choices. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 54 children in the US have autism spectrum disorder. Dr. Laura Schieve, a researcher at the CDC, noted that while some studies suggest a possible link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism, "the evidence is not yet conclusive." She emphasized the need for further research to fully understand any potential relationship between the two. The announcement has also raised concerns among medical professionals about the potential impact on pregnant women's healthcare choices. Dr. Jennifer Hutson, an obstetrician-gynecologist at Boston Medical Center, said that "while we want to be cautious and consider all possible causes of autism, we should not jump to conclusions based on incomplete evidence." The current status of the proposed link between Tylenol and autism is unclear, but it is expected to spark a heated debate among medical professionals and policymakers. As more information becomes available, this story will continue to develop. Background: Tylenol has been widely used in pregnancy for decades, and major medical groups have consistently stated that it is safe for pregnant women to take the medication. However, some studies have suggested a possible link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism. Additional Perspectives: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has stated that "there is no conclusive evidence" linking Tylenol use in pregnancy to autism. The CDC has emphasized the need for further research to fully understand any potential relationship between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. Next Developments: The proposed link between Tylenol and autism will likely be a topic of discussion among medical professionals, policymakers, and pregnant women's healthcare providers. As more information becomes available, this story will continue to develop. *Reporting by Bbc.*