A 2017 post from Tylenol has resurfaced after President Trump claimed that taking Tylenol during pregnancy can cause autism in children.
During a press conference on September 22, Trump, standing alongside Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced that acetaminophen (the active ingredient in Tylenol) should be discouraged during pregnancy due to potential links to autism.
The 79-year-old cited a dramatic increase in autism diagnoses, claiming: "Since 2000, autism rates have surged by much more than 400 percent."
He then confirmed that the FDA would be notifying doctors to limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary.
The announcement has drawn significant backlash from the medical community, with many experts questioning the link between acetaminophen and autism.
The maker of Tylenol, Kenvue, responded to Trump’s claims with a statement “strongly” refuting any suggestion that acetaminophen causes autism.
"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 and parents," they said, per Al Jazeera.
Resurfacing of Tylenol's 2017 Tweet
In light of Trump's recent comments, a post from Tylenol’s official account in 2017 has resurfaced.
The tweet, addressing a concern raised about the product's safety during pregnancy, stated: "We actually don't recommend using any of our products while pregnant.
"Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns today."
This has sparked a range of reactions online, with many people now revisiting the company's stance.
Some users have defended Trump, asking: "Wait but I thought Trump and RFK Jr were evil and wrong for saying not to take Tylenol while pregnant?????"
Another user remarked: “That aged well,” referencing the contradiction between Tylenol’s earlier caution and the recent political push against the product.
Experts Push Back Against the Claims
Despite the growing online debate, experts in the medical field have rejected Trump's remarks.
Steven Fleischman, the president of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG), said: “Suggestions that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism are not only highly concerning to clinicians but also irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients, including those who may need to rely on this beneficial medicine during pregnancy."
Pediatrician Edith Bracho-Sanchez also shared her thoughts on Facebook, emphasizing that “the best available science does not show an association between Tylenol use in pregnancy and an increased risk of autism.”
Dr Monique Botha, an associate professor in social and developmental psychology at Durham University, noted that international research, including a large Swedish study published in 2024, also refuted any causal link between paracetamol and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disabilities.
While Trump's announcement has raised significant concerns among the public, health professionals argue that spreading misinformation about the safety of common medications could cause unnecessary fear.
Meanwhile, the FDA and other global health regulators continue to support the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy as safe when used as directed.
Experts argue that, as research into autism and environmental factors continues, it is crucial to rely on science and specialist recommendations.