(The Hill) — President Donald Trump has suggested that the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy could be contributing to the rising rates of autism in the U.S., a claim that health experts have firmly rejected as unproven. Speaking from the White House on Monday, Trump told reporters that pregnant women should avoid taking acetaminophen “during the entire pregnancy,” raising concerns about the medication and its potential link to autism.
What Happened
During a press conference, Trump stated that women should consult their doctors to limit the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy, although he emphasized that if it became necessary, it should be used with caution. “Ideally, you don’t take it at all, but if you have to, you can’t tough it out… probably, you’re going to end up doing it,” Trump said.
The president’s comments came amid growing pressure from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Make America Healthy Again movement, which has been pushing for more answers regarding the causes of the increasing autism rates in the U.S. Despite years of research, no conclusive evidence has emerged linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to autism.
Who Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and What Is His Influence?
Kennedy, a well-known vaccine skeptic, has consistently argued that vaccines and other medications, including acetaminophen, may contribute to rising autism rates. However, these claims are unsupported by scientific research. Kennedy’s influence has been growing, particularly among those critical of the current vaccine schedule, including some in the Trump administration.
Expert Reactions
In response to Trump’s statements, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists released a statement affirming that “acetaminophen remains a safe, trusted option for pain relief during pregnancy.” The statement further clarified that there is no evidence to suggest that the careful use of the medication poses risks to fetal development.
This echoes the findings of many experts who argue that the increase in autism diagnoses is due more to better awareness, earlier identification, and a broader diagnostic spectrum, rather than a dramatic rise in cases caused by vaccines or medications.
Controversial Statements and Vaccine Concerns
The debate over autism’s causes has been reignited by Trump’s comments, which mirror previous remarks he made as president-elect, suggesting that autism rates have spiked from “one in 200,000” to “one in 100.” Trump has previously linked the rise in autism to vaccinations, despite overwhelming scientific consensus rejecting this view. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that there is no credible evidence linking vaccines to autism.
The CDC recently announced a new study, funded by the agency, to examine the potential link between vaccines and autism, which critics view as a response to growing pressure from figures like Kennedy. This comes as several top CDC officials have resigned, citing concerns about the politicization of public health under pressure from anti-vaccine advocates.
Public Health and the Rise of Autism Diagnoses
Currently, autism is diagnosed in approximately 1 in 31 U.S. children, according to the CDC, but the increase is largely attributed to more accurate and inclusive diagnoses rather than an actual surge in cases. Experts note that the spectrum of autism has expanded, allowing for milder cases to be identified and included in the count.
While Trump and Kennedy continue to push their theories, the broader medical community remains firmly focused on the need for more research into autism’s causes, without resorting to unfounded claims.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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