President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will advise against the routine use of Tylenol, also known as acetaminophen, during pregnancy due to a potential link to autism. He urged pregnant women to avoid the drug, stating, "Don't take Tylenol," and recommended that mothers refrain from giving it to infants as well.

Tylenol is commonly used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Trump's comments have sparked significant controversy among medical experts, who argue that there is no conclusive evidence supporting a connection between Tylenol and autism. The president's remarks coincide with a broader discussion on childhood vaccinations, which he has previously criticized.

The FDA plans to notify healthcare providers that using acetaminophen during pregnancy may be associated with an increased risk of autism, although many studies have not found such a link. David Mandell, an autism expert from the University of Pennsylvania, noted that while some research suggests a possible connection, many other studies do not support this claim.

The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has pointed out that high fevers during the first trimester can lead to complications, and Tylenol is often recommended to manage such fevers. Critics of Trump's announcement, including the president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have described his statements as "irresponsible" and potentially harmful.

A recent study published in JAMA Network found no significant risk of autism associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy. The research analyzed data from millions of children and concluded that the difference in autism rates between those exposed to acetaminophen and those who were not was minimal.

Tylenol's manufacturer, Kenvue, has strongly rejected claims linking acetaminophen to autism, emphasizing that it is the safest pain relief option for pregnant women. They cautioned that misinformation could pose risks to expectant mothers and urged them to consult healthcare professionals before taking any medication.