If you’re pregnant, you’ve probably been told the same thing for decades: Tylenol (acetaminophen) is the one pain reliever you can safely take. Headaches, backaches, fevers—when almost everything else is off-limits, Tylenol has been the go-to. In fact, about 65% of women use acetaminophen at some point during pregnancy, making it one of the most relied-on medicines for moms-to-be.
That’s why so many moms felt rattled when, on September 22, the White House suggested a possible link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism. The announcement raised more questions than answers: Is this medicine still safe? Can you take Tylenol when pregnant? What does the science actually say? And what should I do if I’m in pain or running a fever?
Adding to the confusion, the message about Tylenol came from both President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long been a controversial figure around topics related to the medical system, autism and vaccines. Trained as a lawyer rather than a doctor, he has embraced several fringe health ideas that aren’t supported by scientific evidence. At the same time, some of his advocacy, known as the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement—like pushing for the removal of artificial dyes in food—has resonated with many parents. This mix of positions makes it harder for families to separate genuinely helpful updates from misinformation that can cause unnecessary worry.
Here’s what the White House said, how medical experts responded, and what parents need to know right now.
What the White House announced
At the September 22 autism briefing, President Trump said that the Food and Drug Administration would begin updating acetaminophen labels to reflect what he said were potential risks.
“Effective immediately, the FDA will be notifying physicians that the use of acetaminophen, which is basically commonly known as Tylenol, during pregnancy can be associated with a very increased risk of autism. For this reason they are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary.”
The president added an off-the-cuff remark to pregnant women watching: “Don’t take Tylenol. Try not to. Fight like hell not to take it. There may be a point where you have to, and that you’ll just have to work out with yourself.”
Trump also said that in cases of extremely high fever, Tylenol might still be appropriate “very sparingly” and ideally under a doctor’s guidance.
It’s important to note that fevers themselves pose a risk to moms, and that adding any more stress, pain and shame to moms during their pregnancies (especially when the evidence isn’t there) is just plain wrong.
Here’s how The New York Times summarized the half-truths behind the White House’s unprecedented announcement:
“While a number of studies have shown a possible association between Tylenol and autism, others have not, and none have proved causation. Medical experts, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, say that Tylenol is safe to take during pregnancy in consultation with a doctor.”
Medical experts stress that this link has not been proven, and blaming mothers oversimplifies a complex condition like autism, which is currently believed by medical experts to be caused by a complex web of genetic and environmental factors.
Blaming mothers for their children’s autism has a long history in America, and by shaming women for taking a medication that has long been prescribed as safe, Trump took a step that experts say is out of line with the biological reality.
Related: What medication can I take while pregnant?
What the data actually shows
The White House stated autism rates jumped from “1 in 20,000” to “1 in 12 boys.”
Experts attribute the increase largely to broader diagnostic criteria, more awareness, and better screening as opposed to a sudden environmental trigger.
How medical organizations responded
No mainstream medical or advocacy organization concurred with the president’s claims or HHS’s action. Now moms are left in the middle, trying to understand who to trust. It’s an unfair position to put pregnant women in.
Here’s what the leading medical organizations said in response to this week’s announcements.
ACOG: Acetaminophen remains the best option in pregnancy
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists emphasized:
“Acetaminophen is one of the few options available to pregnant patients to treat pain and fever, which can be harmful to pregnant people when left untreated. The data from numerous studies have shown that acetaminophen plays an important—and safe—role in the well-being of pregnant women.”
You can read more here.
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): “Dangerous claims and misleading information”
The AAP said the White House event “sends a confusing message to parents and expecting parents and does a disservice to autistic individuals.” The group urged families to know that:
“Regarding autism, we know it is complex, highly variable and increasingly linked to genetics. There is no single, root cause of autism, and there is no single medication that will give every autistic child or adult what they need.”
You can read more here.
Autism Science Foundation (ASF) urged against drawing premature conclusions:
“Any association between acetaminophen and autism is based on limited, conflicting, and inconsistent science and is premature. This claim risks undermining public health while also misleading families who deserve clear, factual information.”
ASF President Alison Singer added:
“It took me straight back to when moms were blamed for autism. If you can’t take the pain or deal with a fever, then it’s your fault if your child has autism. That was shocking. Simply shocking.”
You can read more here.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Association does not mean causation
While the FDA confirmed it would initiate a label change, it clarified:
“It is important to note that while an association between acetaminophen and neurological conditions has been described in many studies, a causal relationship has not been established and there are contrary studies in the scientific literature.”
You can read more here.
The real risk: Leaving mothers without safe relief
Pregnancy already restricts which medicines women can use. NSAIDs like ibuprofen and Motrin aren’t recommended, leaving acetaminophen as one of the few dependable options. It’s no surprise, then, that about 65% of pregnant women rely on acetaminophen at some point to manage headaches, back pain, or fever.
Medical experts stress that the greater danger lies in leaving mothers without safe relief. Untreated high fevers can cause dehydration and complications for both mother and baby. This is why groups like ACOG and AAP continue to emphasize that acetaminophen remains a safe, appropriate choice when used as directed.
There’s also a broader concern: framing Tylenol as the cause of autism risks reviving a harmful narrative that mothers are to blame. For decades, women have been told by their doctors that acetaminophen was the safest option available. Suggesting otherwise without conclusive evidence not only undermines trust but can also leave women feeling guilty for choices they made while following medical advice.
Can you take Tylenol when pregnant?
Based on current guidance from leading medical organizations, acetaminophen remains an option for pregnant women when used as directed. Here are key points to keep in mind if you’re expecting:
- Talk with your provider first. Every pregnancy is different, and your doctor or midwife can help weigh the benefits and risks for your specific situation.
- Follow your provider’s advice. Stick to the dose and timing they recommend.
- Don’t leave major symptoms untreated. High fevers, severe headaches, or ongoing pain should be addressed promptly, since untreated illness can pose risks to both mother and baby.
- Know what the science says. Research has noted associations, but experts stress these studies do not prove causation. Both AAP and ACOG continue to identify acetaminophen as one of the few safe options available during pregnancy.
Related: Is cold medicine safe during pregnancy? 5 natural remedies to try instead
What moms should remember
Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists continue to identify acetaminophen as one of the few pain relievers that can be used safely during pregnancy when taken as directed. At the same time, organizations like the FDA and NIH have called for more research to better understand all factors that contribute to autism.
For now, the guidance remains the same: if you need to manage pain or fever during pregnancy, talk with your provider, follow their advice closely, and know that untreated illness can pose its own risks. Pregnant women deserve safe, evidence-based options—and clear information that supports their health without shifting blame or adding unnecessary fear.
For moms who did take acetaminophen in pregnancy, it’s important to remember you followed the best medical advice available at the time. Autism is not caused by one medicine or one decision: it’s a complex condition with many influences. What matters most is that your child is loved and supported, and that families today continue to receive care rooted in science.
Sources:
- The White House. 2025. “FACT: Evidence Suggests Link Between Acetaminophen, Autism”
- FDA. 2025. “FDA Responds to Evidence of Possible Association Between Autism and Acetaminophen Use During Pregnancy”
- Autism Science Foundation. 2025. “ASF Statement on White House Announcement on Autism”
- ACOG. “Acetaminophen in Pregnancy | ACOG”
- ACOG. 2025. “ACOG Affirms Safety and Benefits of Acetaminophen during Pregnancy”
- AAP. 2025. “AAP Statement on White House Autism Announcement”
- NIH. 2025. “NIH launches $50M Autism Data Science Initiative to unlock causes and improve outcomes”