US President Donald Trump has declared Tylenol unsafe for pregnant women, claiming the medicine increases autism risks in newborns, sparking controversy and international criticism from health agencies and medical experts.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the Food and Drug Administration will advise doctors against prescribing Tylenol, also known as paracetamol, to pregnant women, except in cases where its use is medically unavoidable.
The president argued Tylenol “is not a good drug” for expecting mothers, suggesting stricter guidance will soon follow.
His remarks drew immediate debate across political, medical, and international platforms concerned about accuracy.
US Health Secretary Robert Kennedy later announced that a safety label would be added to Tylenol packaging, warning consumers about possible risks during pregnancy, even though evidence remains contested.
Tylenol is widely used for pain and fever relief.
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Its accessibility and common use make the president’s remarks particularly significant, raising concerns about potential confusion among patients and healthcare providers.
The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the paracetamol use during pregnancy does not cause autism, reaffirming decades of global medical consensus.
The agency urged the public to rely on scientifically verified guidance.
Similarly, the European Medicines Agency confirmed there is no proven link between paracetamol and autism, stressing that the drug remains safe for use during pregnancy when deemed necessary by doctors.
Britain’s Health Minister also dismissed Trump’s claim, urging the public to trust medical professionals rather than political commentary. He said guidance from doctors is based on credible clinical research.
Medical experts fear such statements may discourage pregnant women from safely managing fever or pain, potentially harming maternal and infant health.
They warn that the misinformation can undermine confidence in essential medicines.
The episode underscores tensions between political narratives and scientific evidence. Health agencies continue to recommend paracetamol as safe when used responsibly, despite President Trump’s controversial claims about its effects on pregnancy.
