Trump Tylenol Backlash

Lindsey Smith ’27

Managing News Editor

On Monday, September 22, President Donald Trump was found in the White House addressing his public health concerns. One of his statements included the topic of pregnancy and the increase of risk in autistic babies linked to consuming Tylenol — a commonly used drug to reduce aches in the body. This raised questions for women, wondering if Trump's announcement was even true. Not just women, but several scientists, medical professionals, and internet users were full of criticism on the matter, angry about the “lack of scientific evidence to make these claims.” An anonymous internet reader wrote, “When I was pregnant I most definitely took acetaminophen. Growing a human inside you is kind of painful,” she stated. “My two children have no signs of autism.” Acetaminophen is one of the most commonly used drugs to relieve pain, such as muscle aches and headaches, during pregnancy and is generally recommended by doctors. The company that made the drug, Kenvue, “strongly disagrees” that Tylenol causes autism and said that the company is “concerned about the health risks and confusion this poses for expecting mothers and parents.”