Trump Administration to Announce Autism-Tylenol Link
The Trump administration is preparing to publicly associate the use of Tylenol during pregnancy with an increased risk of autism in children, according to sources cited by The Washington Post. The announcement is expected Monday and will caution pregnant women against using Tylenol, unless it is to manage a fever early in pregnancy. Officials will also highlight leucovorin, a form of folate, as a potential treatment for autism, the report added.
Official Statements and Industry Response
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the White House have not yet responded to requests for comment on the impending announcement. President Donald Trump previewed the announcement over the weekend, describing it as “one of the most important things that we will do,” during remarks at an event hosted by the American Cornerstone Institute. Earlier this month, The Wall Street Journal reported that HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. would release a report linking acetaminophen—the generic name for Tylenol—to autism when used during pregnancy. The news triggered a sharp decline in shares of Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol.
Kenvue Refutes Claims Linking Acetaminophen to Autism
Kenvue issued a statement emphasizing that over a decade of rigorous research, supported by leading medical experts and global health regulators, found no credible evidence connecting acetaminophen use to autism.
“We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism,” a Kenvue spokesperson said. “We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.”
In response to recent media coverage, Tylenol’s official website now includes a section affirming there is no proven link between acetaminophen and autism. Kenvue CEO Kirk Perry reportedly met with Secretary Kennedy earlier in September to convey the company’s position and to discourage the inclusion of Tylenol as a potential autism cause in the upcoming report.
Medical Community and Regulatory Stance
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and leading medical organizations continue to maintain that acetaminophen is safe for use during pregnancy when taken as directed. They recommend that pregnant individuals consult healthcare providers before using any over-the-counter medications. Despite the controversy, acetaminophen remains one of the few safe options to reduce fever in pregnancy, according to medical experts.
HHS Secretary Kennedy’s Focus on Autism
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made autism a central priority for the Department of Health and Human Services, vowing to uncover the root causes of the neurodevelopmental disorder. However, Kennedy has previously shared claims about autism’s prevalence and causes that lack scientific consensus, raising concerns among public health officials and researchers.
FinOracleAI — Market View
The forthcoming announcement linking acetaminophen use during pregnancy to autism risk introduces significant uncertainty for pharmaceutical markets and public health messaging. While the administration aims to address autism’s etiology, the scientific community remains divided due to a lack of conclusive evidence.
- Opportunities: Increased funding and research into autism treatments such as leucovorin; potential growth in alternative pain relief products for pregnant women.
- Risks: Potential decline in Tylenol sales impacting Kenvue’s stock; public confusion leading to reduced use of safe fever treatments; regulatory scrutiny on acetaminophen.
Impact: The announcement is likely to generate market volatility for Kenvue and influence healthcare providers’ recommendations, while highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing precautionary public health advisories with established scientific evidence.
