Donald Trump drew sharp criticism from medical experts on Monday after suggesting that pregnant women should limit their use of acetaminophen. The over-the-counter pain reliever, widely known as Tylenol in the United States and paracetamol elsewhere, is one of the most common medications taken during pregnancy.
Trump claimed that the drug may increase the risk of autism when used by pregnant women. His remarks, however, directly contradict years of research and the consensus of global health experts. He told reporters that he had “waited for 20 years for this meeting” and admitted that “not everything is 100% understood or known, but I think we’ve made a lot of strides.”
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the nation’s leading organization for women’s health specialists, immediately rejected Trump’s statements. The group called the announcement “irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients.”
Dr. Steven Fleischman, president of ACOG, stressed that Trump’s claims were not supported by established science. “Today’s announcement is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence and dangerously simplifies the many and complex causes of neurologic challenges in children,” Fleischman said in a statement.
Acetaminophen is widely considered safe when used as directed during pregnancy. Doctors typically recommend it as the preferred option for managing pain or fever in expectant mothers, since alternatives like ibuprofen are not advised during later stages of pregnancy. While some limited studies have suggested possible links between acetaminophen exposure and developmental issues, major health organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have found no conclusive evidence of harm.
Medical experts warned that Trump’s remarks could discourage pregnant women from safely treating fevers or pain, which may present greater risks to both mother and child if left unmanaged. A high fever, for example, has been linked to complications in pregnancy, making safe and effective treatment critical.
Public health officials also noted that autism is a complex condition with multiple genetic and environmental factors. Scientists caution against attributing it to any single medication or behavior during pregnancy. By suggesting otherwise, critics say Trump oversimplified a condition that continues to be the focus of extensive scientific study.
The controversy comes as misinformation about health and medicine has spread widely online, particularly during Trump’s political career. Doctors and patient advocates worry that such statements from a sitting president could influence behavior in ways that harm maternal and child health.
Trump’s comments add to a series of past disputes between him and the medical community, particularly on sensitive public health issues. Experts continue to emphasize that patients should consult their healthcare providers for evidence-based advice, rather than relying on political figures for medical guidance.
For now, medical organizations are urging calm and reinforcing established guidelines. Expectant mothers, they advise, should continue following medical advice from trusted doctors and health authorities, using acetaminophen when recommended and avoiding unnecessary alarm over unverified claims.
