GOP senator challenges Trump on Tylenol-autism claim

In a striking rebuttal, Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a licensed physician, has publicly opposed President Donald Trump’s recent warning against pregnant women using acetaminophen, the key ingredient in Tylenol, due to a supposed connection to autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

The Hill reported that this dispute centers on Trump’s assertion, backed by health officials, that acetaminophen use during pregnancy could pose risks, while Cassidy and medical experts argue no definitive link exists, highlighting a clash over public health guidance.

On Monday, President Trump, alongside Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and other senior health officials, issued a statement advising pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen unless they are experiencing an extremely high fever.

Debate Over Pain Relief Safety Ignites

The White House pointed to certain studies suggesting a potential association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in children, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Among the research cited was a review published on Aug. 14 by Mount Sinai and Harvard researchers, funded by the National Institutes of Health, which noted that 27 out of 46 studies showed positive associations between the drug’s use in pregnancy and later NDDs in offspring.

An HHS spokesperson defended the administration’s stance to The Hill, emphasizing a commitment to transparency and public health protection.

Transparency Push or Public Health Risk?

The spokesperson stated, “President Trump and Secretary Kennedy pledged to practice radical transparency. HHS is honoring that commitment by following the science and sharing critical public health information as soon as it becomes available, ensuring families are informed and public health is protected.”

They further added, “These actions represent an unprecedented, comprehensive approach to deepen our understanding of the causes of autism. We will continue to follow the science, restore trust, and deliver hope to millions of American families.”

Sen. Cassidy, however, quickly countered the administration’s position on Monday via a post on X, asserting that scientific evidence does not support a connection between acetaminophen and autism.

Concerns for Pregnant Women’s Options Rise

Cassidy expressed worry that such warnings might leave expectant mothers without safe methods to manage pain, stating, “The preponderance of evidence shows that this is not the case. The concern is that women will be left with no options to manage pain in pregnancy.”

He added, “We must be compassionate to this problem.”

While supportive of efforts to investigate autism’s causes, Cassidy called on HHS to provide specific data backing Trump’s advisory to ensure clarity for the public.

Medical Community Weighs in on Evidence

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine also weighed in, clarifying that existing studies hinting at a link between acetaminophen and NDDs have not proven causation, stating, “Despite assertions to the contrary, a thorough review of existing research suggesting a potential link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism and attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children has not established a causal relationship.”

The organization further noted, “It supports continued research that includes pregnant patients to understand the potential causes of neurodevelopmental disabilities in children.”

Meanwhile, Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol since its split from Johnson & Johnson in 2023, firmly rejected the administration’s claims, asserting, “We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers.”