U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to announce a supposed link between autism and prenatal exposure to Tylenol (acetaminophen in the U.S., paracetamol in the UK), according to a Wall Street Journal report. The claim has reignited debate, though scientific evidence remains inconclusive.
What Does the Research Say?
- No proven causal link: A 2024 Swedish study of nearly 2.5 million children found no evidence that acetaminophen use during pregnancy causes autism or ADHD.
- Conflicting reviews: A 2025 review of 46 studies by researchers from Mount Sinai, Harvard, and others suggested a possible link but emphasized the findings did not prove causation. They advised cautious use — lowest effective dose for the shortest time.
- Large-scale studies: Research from Europe and Japan (2025) suggested that weak associations may actually be due to confounding factors such as genetics, parental health, environment, or concurrent medication use.
Current Medical Guidelines
- Acetaminophen remains the recommended first-line option for pain and fever in pregnancy, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the UK’s Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen are not recommended in the third trimester due to risks of birth defects.
- Pregnant women are advised to consult their doctors before taking any medication.
Risks of Untreated Fever in Pregnancy
- Not treating fever or pain can be more harmful to both mother and fetus, potentially leading to:
- Birth defects (heart, abdominal wall, neural tube)
- Preterm birth, low birth weight, miscarriage
- Maternal complications including high blood pressure, dehydration, anxiety, and depression
Why the Issue is in Focus
- The debate has fueled lawsuits in the U.S. against retailers, accusing them of failing to warn consumers about Tylenol’s alleged risks.
- In December 2023, a federal judge dismissed much of this litigation, ruling that expert testimony lacked sufficient scientific evidence.
