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U.S. President Donald Trump, next to U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., makes an announcement linking autism to childhood vaccines and to the use of popular pain medication Tylenol for pregnant women and children, claims which are not backed by decades of science, at the White House, in Washington (Reuters)
Our founder, Bianca, had a good anger session on the hot + brave podcast alllll about this. Listen here:
We live in a time when lies masquerade as “health warnings,” and fear becomes a tool of control. This week, Donald Trump has publicly warned pregnant people to avoid Tylenol (acetaminophen), claiming it causes autism… a statement not backed by solid science AP News. Meanwhile, the Epstein files remain sealed. Funny how we get served unnecessary panic about pills while the real scandals are hidden.
Let’s talk about what the research actually says, why this disinformation is dangerous, and how we protect families with truth.
What Trump Is Saying and Why It’s Dangerous
At a recent press event, Trump linked Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism risk, advising pregnant people to “avoid it unless absolutely necessary.” Politico He also tied childhood vaccine schedules to autism and advocated for spacing or delaying immunizations. Reuters
These claims have been widely condemned by the medical community. Reuters The truth is: disinformation from someone with a megaphone is more harmful than a single pill taken under medical guidance.
Debunking Trump’s Myths: What He Said vs. What’s True
It’s not just the Tylenol claim. Trump has been spewing a whole range of harmful myths about autism, vaccines, and pregnancy. Let’s break them down – thank you to AP News for the fact checks!
Are autism rates increasing?
Trump’s claim: Autism rates have gone up by “more than 400%,” from 1 in 20,000, to 1 in 10,000, to now 1 in 31. He said there must be “something artificial” behind it.
The facts: Rates have indeed risen, but his numbers are wrong. The CDC’s first autism surveillance in 2000 put the prevalence at 1 in 150. By 2018 it was 1 in 44. Today, based on 2022 data, it’s 1 in 31. The rise is largely due to expanded diagnostic criteria and greater awareness. Decades ago, autism was only diagnosed in kids with severe traits. As the spectrum became better understood, more children were identified and supported.
Does maternal Tylenol use cause autism?
Trump’s claim: “Tylenol during pregnancy can be associated with a very increased risk of autism.”
The facts: No. Some observational studies have suggested a possible association, but most have not. Importantly, these studies can’t prove causation… they can’t rule out whether it was the pain, fever, or infection that prompted Tylenol use that carried the risk. The FDA recently told doctors they “should consider minimizing” use during pregnancy, but even Trump’s own agency stopped short of calling it unsafe. Genetics remain the biggest risk factor for autism, along with parental age, prematurity, and certain maternal health conditions.
“There’s no downside to avoiding Tylenol”
Trump’s claim: Pregnant people should skip Tylenol altogether.
The facts: This is reckless. Untreated fever in pregnancy is dangerous, increasing the risk of birth defects, miscarriage, and preterm birth. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says acetaminophen is a safe and needed option when used appropriately. In fact, the risks of not treating fever or severe pain are far more significant than the hypothetical risks of Tylenol.
Autism in Cuba and the Amish
Trump’s claim: Cuba has “essentially no autism” because they don’t use Tylenol. He also claimed the Amish “have no autism” because they avoid vaccines and medications.
The facts: False on both counts. In Cuba, awareness of autism has grown, and schools now serve autistic children. Paracetamol (Tylenol) is widely prescribed there. And while autism rates in Amish communities may be lower than the U.S. average, studies confirm cases exist. Diagnosis is harder to measure due to cultural factors and limited medical reporting… not because autism isn’t present.
Childhood vaccinations
Trump’s claim: Kids today get “a vat of 80 different vaccines” all at once.
The facts: The recommended schedule protects against 18 diseases over the course of childhood, not all at once. The number of shots across 18 years is closer to three dozen, excluding annual flu or COVID shots. Studies across decades and countries show no link between vaccines and autism. The MMR vaccine controversy originated from a fraudulent 1998 paper that has since been retracted.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We do want to emphasize that vaccines do have their own set of risks that are often not disclosed by primary health care providers so please do your own research and come to the decision of to vaccinate or not without Trump as a source for your evidence.
Hepatitis B at birth
Trump’s claim: Babies don’t need the hepatitis B shot because the disease is sexually transmitted.
The facts: Hepatitis B can be passed from mother to baby during delivery. That’s why the CDC recommends all newborns get the shot within 24 hours of birth – a measure that has sharply reduced infant infections. The virus can also survive on household surfaces, putting unvaccinated babies at risk if anyone in the home carries it.
Spacing vaccines and “unproven treatments”
Trump’s claim: Parents should “break up” vaccines and delay shots. He also touted leucovorin (a folate metabolite) as a treatment for autism.
The facts: Pediatricians warn that delaying vaccines leaves infants vulnerable at the ages when they’re most at risk. As for leucovorin, it’s experimental and only studied in small trials. There’s no proven, safe, effective cure for autism… and spreading false hope is deeply irresponsible.
What the Evidence Actually Shows
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is widely considered safe in pregnancy when used appropriately.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) reaffirms that acetaminophen remains the analgesic and antipyretic of choice in pregnancy: used at the lowest effective dose, for the shortest necessary duration, and under medical supervision. ACOG - Some observational studies show small associations, but causation is not established.
A 2024 population-based study in JAMA found marginal increases in autism or ADHD risk in models without sibling controls, but when comparing full siblings, no association remained (HR ~0.98). JAMA Network
Another recent Mount Sinai study applying the Navigation Guide methodology flagged possible risk increases, but also cautioned that even a small increase would have large public health implications… this is not proof of causation. Mount Sinai Health System
- Experts warn that untreated pain, inflammation, or fever can also harm a pregnancy.
Fever, infections, and uncontrolled pain carry risks to both the parent and fetus. Thus, avoiding a medicine that is relatively safe under guidance can itself be dangerous. Reuters - Major global health agencies reject the claim that acetaminophen causes autism.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA), WHO, and national agencies in the UK and beyond have pushed back on claims of causality, stating that the evidence remains inconclusive, and that acetaminophen is still considered safe when used judiciously. Reuters
In short: we have no high-quality randomized controlled trials showing Tylenol causes autism, and many experts caution that observational data is subject to confounding (for instance, mothers already experiencing pain or infection may have different baseline risks).
Why This Statement from Trump Is Especially Reckless
It weaponizes fear. By alarming pregnant people into thinking a harmless, well-studied drug is dangerous, it could deter use when needed… pushing people to suffer pain or fever without support.
It undermines trust in medical institutions. When leaders spread half-truths or misinformation, people become unsure who to trust – a tactic fascists love. Also, there are already a lot of legit reasons to not fully trust the medical system, especially for folks from equity seeking groups. And this creates so much friction it is overwhelming for many people.
It distracts from bigger issues. While everyone’s arguing over pills, what are they hiding? Oh right, Epstein files are still not public. Maybe Trump is hoping you’re busy worrying about Tylenol while real corruption stays buried.
It amplifies stigma and guilt. Mothers and primary parents already live under a microscope of medical advice. Telling them they may have “caused” autism by taking a simple painkiller is cruel and ungrounded.
What Families Should Know and What to Do
- Don’t panic. If your provider has recommended acetaminophen for pain or fever, it is still considered safe when used properly.
- Use the lowest effective dose, for the shortest period, and only as needed, in consultation with your obstetric provider. ACOG
- Never let political fear replace medical advice.
- Watch for extreme claims that scapegoat science; these are often distractions. Or as I like to joke: “Don’t lose sleep over Tylenol. Worry about all the other terrible shit that is harming women, queer people, and babies right now under the current US administration.”
- If you hear someone saying “Trump warned us about Tylenol,” push back with the facts. Link to reliable sources. Raise your voice for truth.
Birthworkers and Truth-Tellers: Your Role Is More Critical Than Ever
When leaders gaslight and misinform, birthworkers must be frontline defenders of science. We counsel, we educate, we support. Disinformation thrives in silence. Your willingness to tell families the evidence, not the propaganda, is revolutionary.
So don’t shut up.
Don’t go soft.
Let your voice be part of the remedy.
Because in a world where lies travel faster than truth, those who protect facts, informed consent and knowledge are the resistance.
We need more doulas on the front lines keeping parents and babies safe! Join us in our programs such as our birth doula training or full spectrum training.
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