Trump Administration Claims Link Between Acetaminophen and Autism Contradicted by Medical Experts
Medical professionals are reaffirming the safety of acetaminophen use at recommended doses during pregnancy, following claims made yesterday by President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linking the pain reliever to autism.
During a press conference, Trump and Kennedy advised that healthcare providers prescribe the lowest possible doses of acetaminophen to pregnant mothers, and only when necessary. However, leading organizations, including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have refuted these claims, citing a lack of evidence establishing a causal relationship between acetaminophen use and autism. “Regarding autism, we know it is complex, highly variable and increasingly linked to genetics,” stated the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Dr. Scott Sullivan, District 4 chair and spokesperson for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, expressed concern that the administration’s announcement has created unnecessary fear among patients. “We suspected that it would cause a lot of fear and confusion… and in fact in my own practice I’ve seen that,” Sullivan said. He emphasized that there is “no reputable link” between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurological disorders, and that alternatives like aspirin and naproxen carry higher risks. This debate arrives as autism diagnoses continue to rise, prompting increased scrutiny of potential contributing factors.
The administration also announced plans to advise the National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to explore the use of leucovorin, a B vitamin, in treating children with autism. While the FDA has begun the process of approving leucovorin calcium tablets for cerebral folate deficiency, the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that further research is needed to determine its effectiveness. Officials stated they are committed to delivering potential treatments for children suffering from autism.
