BREAKING: President Donald Trump is poised to announce a controversial link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism risk in a highly anticipated news conference today at 4:00 PM local time (2000 GMT). As scientists warn that current research is inconclusive, this announcement could ignite significant debate and concern among medical professionals and parents alike.
Trump’s announcement, teased as “one of the most important news conferences I’ll ever have,” follows the agenda set by his health chief, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has made it his mission to investigate the causes of autism. Kennedy, known for his anti-vaccine stance, has promised to release findings on autism’s causes by September 2025.
During a speech at a memorial for slain activist Charlie Kirk, Trump insinuated that significant answers to autism may be revealed, stating, “I think we found an answer to autism, how about that?” This declaration could potentially shift public perception regarding commonly used medications during pregnancy, specifically acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol.
The expected focus on Tylenol has raised eyebrows, particularly from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which classifies it as one of the safest pain relief options for pregnant individuals. Doctors caution against long-term use, but the potential implications of this announcement may cause unnecessary alarm among expectant mothers.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt urged the press to refrain from jumping to conclusions ahead of the official statements. “Everyone in this room needs to tone down the judgment before you even hear what people are going to say,” she stated, hinting at the possible discussions around a new treatment option for autism involving the drug leucovorin.
Amidst the excitement, experts are voicing serious concerns. A recent literature review suggested a potential link between Tylenol exposure and autism risk, but contrasting studies underscore the complexity of this issue, indicating that more research is critical. David Mandell, a psychiatric epidemiologist at the University of Pennsylvania, emphasized the potential risks of uncontrolled infections during pregnancy outweigh the risks associated with Tylenol.
The Coalition of Autism Scientists has condemned the administration’s narrative as “highly irresponsible,” warning that it could foster confusion and fear among the public. Their statement highlighted the necessity for a nuanced understanding of autism’s causes, which involves intricate interactions between genetic and environmental factors.
As the clock ticks down to Trump’s announcement, the medical community and parents eagerly await clarity on these contentious claims. The implications of this announcement could reshape the conversation around autism and medication use during pregnancy, making it a vital moment for public health discourse.
Stay tuned as we bring you live updates from this developing story. What happens next could change the landscape of autism research and parental choices in the coming months.