Every unproven claim Donald Trump made about autism and Tylenol 'link' during speech

Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump instructed pregnant women not to take Tylenol, due to a belief that it could cause autism in children.

The comments have sparked huge debate around the world, with many left frustrated by the president's instructions to 'tough it out' instead of reaching for pain relief, stating that the only exception should be 'a Tylenol' to bring down an extremely high fever.

The active ingredient in Tylenol is acetaminophen, which is better known as paracetamol in the UK.

Since making the comments, the UK government, as well as other global health experts, have given their take on the advice, emphasising the already-existing guidance that paracetamol is safe to take in pregnancy.

Meanwhile, a statement by Tylenol maker Kenvue strongly refuted the claims.

Trump said there was a link between Tylenol and autism (Leon Neal/Getty Images)

"We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise," the statement read.

"Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy. Without it, women face dangerous choices: suffer through conditions like fever that are potentially harmful to both mom and baby or use riskier alternatives.

"The facts are that over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism."

What has Donald Trump said about the link between Tylenol and autism?

Speaking about the drug, Trump claimed: "The FDA will be notifying physicians that the use of acetaminophen, which is commonly known as Tylenol during pregnancy can be associated with a very increased risk of autism.

"So taking Tylenol is not good. For this reason they are strongly recommending women limit Tylenol use in pregnancy, unless medically necessary, that's for instance in cases of extremely high fever, that you feel you can't tough it out, you can't do it, I guess there's that.

"If you can't tough it out, if you can't do it, you'll take a Tylenol but it will be very sparingly."

Trump also added 'you shouldn't take it during the entire pregnancy'.

The claims have been refuted by experts (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Is there a link between paracetamol and autism?

Despite Trump's statements, there is currently no expert-approved evidence of a link between the use of acetaminophen or paracetamol and autism.

Current studies have provided conflicting information about the risks involved for a developing foetus.

A 2024 study in Sweden found no link between taking the drug while pregnant, and autism and ADHD in nearly 2.5 million children.

However, a review was carried out in 2025 of 46 earlier studies.

This review suggested that in 27 out of the 46 earlier studies, there was a link with the medication and increased risks of these conditions.

Researchers said some measures should be taken to limit use of the drug, but that it was still important in treating pain and fever.

Paracetamol is considered safe in pregnancy (Getty Stock Image)

What do health experts say about pregnant women taking Tylenol?

Since Trump made the comments, a lot has been said in response.

Dr Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said: "Patient safety is our top priority. There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.

"Paracetamol remains the recommended pain relief option for pregnant women when used as directed. Pregnant women should continue to follow existing NHS guidance and speak to their healthcare professional if they have questions about any medication during pregnancy.

"Untreated pain and fever can pose risks to the unborn baby, so it is important to manage these symptoms with the recommended treatment."

She added: "Our advice on medicines in pregnancy is based on rigorous assessment of the best available scientific evidence. Any new evidence that could affect our recommendations would be carefully evaluated by our independent scientific experts.

"We continuously monitor the safety of all medicines, including those used during pregnancy, through robust monitoring and surveillance. We encourage anyone to report any suspected side effects to us via the Yellow Card scheme."

Meanwhile, Professor Claire Anderson, President of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, added: "Paracetamol has been used safely by millions of people for decades, including during pregnancy, when taken as directed.

"It is the first-line choice for pain management and fever control in a variety of patients, including pregnant women, children and the elderly."

Tyla has reached out to Tylenol's manufacturer, Kenvue, for comment.