The Trump administration on Monday issued new guidance warning that the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of autism, despite no conclusive scientific evidence to support the claim.

During a White House press briefing, President Donald Trump announced that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would begin alerting physicians to limit recommendations of Tylenol to pregnant women, except in cases deemed medically necessary.

“They are strongly recommending that women limit Tylenol use during pregnancy unless medically necessary,” Trump said. “That’s, for instance, in cases of extremely high fever.”

The announcement marks a significant departure from longstanding medical guidelines. Leading health organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have consistently maintained that acetaminophen remains the safest over-the-counter pain reliever for pregnant individuals.

While some studies have suggested a potential correlation between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and developmental disorders, including autism, experts stress that the findings are inconclusive and do not establish causation.

FDA to Update Drug Labeling

Administration officials said the FDA will update acetaminophen product labels to reflect what they described as “potential benefits in reducing some autism symptoms.” No additional data or scientific rationale was provided.

However, President Trump went beyond the agency’s official language, offering a more forceful warning to the public.

“Don’t take Tylenol. There’s no downside,” Trump said. “You’ll be uncomfortable. It won’t be as easy, maybe. But don’t take it if you’re pregnant. Don’t give it to the baby after the baby is born.”

The president acknowledged that his position was not grounded in formal medical advice but rather drawn from personal experience and what he called “common sense.”

“I’m just making these statements from me,” he added. “I’m not making them from these doctors… I talk about a lot of common sense.”

Medical Community Expresses Alarm

The announcement prompted swift criticism from healthcare professionals who warned that discouraging the use of acetaminophen could put pregnant women and their babies at risk.

“Reckless public messaging like this could dissuade women from treating serious conditions such as fever or pain, which can themselves pose risks to pregnancy,” said Dr. Melissa Harden, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at Stanford University.

Health experts also criticized the suggestion that product labeling be updated in the absence of verified clinical data.

“This kind of politicization of science can sow confusion, panic, and mistrust,” said Dr. Reena Sharma of the National Women’s Health Institute. “It puts ideology above public health.”

Unchanged Official Guidelines—for Now

Despite the administration’s remarks, the FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have not yet modified their formal guidance on Tylenol use during pregnancy. Major pharmaceutical manufacturers have also not issued changes to product recommendations.

Medical groups continue to urge expectant mothers to consult healthcare providers before making decisions about medication use.