The Trump administration is expected to announce on Monday that use of the common pain reliever Tylenol during pregnancy may be tied to an increased risk of autism in children, according to a report by the Washington Post.
The move would run contrary to existing medical guidelines, which state that the drug known as acetaminophen in the US and paracetamol elsewhere is safe for pregnant women to take. Tylenol is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medicines globally.
The Washington Post cited four unnamed sources who said officials also plan to promote research into leucovorin, a cancer and anaemia drug, as a potential treatment for autism. Early trials of leucovorin have shown some improvements in speech and comprehension among children with autism, though scientists caution the studies are preliminary.
President Trump previewed the announcement at conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s memorial service on Sunday, telling the audience: “I think we found an answer to autism.” He had previously described the development as “one of the most important things that we will do.”
Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was preparing to raise concerns about Tylenol use in pregnancy, reflecting internal divisions within the administration on how to handle the issue. Kennedy has repeatedly described autism as an “epidemic” linked to environmental toxins.
Medical research has not reached definitive conclusions on autism’s causes. Most experts believe genetics, possibly interacting with environmental factors, play a key role. The Harvard University and Mount Sinai review cited by the administration suggested a possible link between Tylenol use in early pregnancy and autism risk, but health authorities maintain that evidence is inconclusive.
The administration’s announcement is expected to draw scrutiny from medical groups worldwide, who have consistently said that paracetamol remains a safe option for pregnant women when taken as directed.
