The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to link Tylenol use in pregnant women with increased risk of autism. This assertion has set off a firestorm of controversy. Medical guidelines continue to state that acetaminophen, or Tylenol—used as directed—is safe for pregnant women. Though we appreciate these recommendations, the administration’s proposed position is alarming to doctors and parents.
According to new reporting, high-level Trump administration officials are on the verge of releasing a major document. If finalized, this declaration would significantly alter the public’s long-held perception of the ubiquitous pain reliever. This announcement comes on the heels of years of conversations about the safety of different medications during pregnancy. The administration’s unilateral action has already rattled medical communities. Only now are experts calling out the lack of scientific evidence connecting Tylenol to autism.
Health officials continue to insist that Tylenol is still the recommended go-to pain reliever, antipyretic during pregnancy. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) both encourage its active use. They support their advocacy with a deep body of research that demonstrates its robust safety profile. These organizations endorse the idea that pregnant women should speak to their healthcare providers before taking any medication—even one bought at a grocery store, like Tylenol.
The new story pushed by the administration breaks with long-standing, widely-accepted medical consensus. Critics further worry that making a connection between Tylenol and autism when the science is not yet clear would scare pregnant women for no reason. That may cause some people to forego an important medication that helps manage pain or discomfort during pregnancy.
Former President Donald Trump was the headliner at such a gathering just recently. He reacquainted the audience with his ideas about and hopes for his political opponents. His statements certainly underscored his controversial style when it comes to political debate.
“I hate my opponents and I don’t want the best for them, I’m sorry.” – Donald Trump
Trump’s statements are part of a larger strategy to rally his base by stoking the fires of division in our political discourse. The problem is, his rhetoric is music to their ears. Yet it does provoke some important questions about the impacts of such misplaced praise on public discourse and political civility.
While Trump discussed his opponents, Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and host of the event, offered a contrasting perspective on political engagement.
“I’m not here to fight them – I want them to know them and love them,” – Charlie Kirk (quoted by Donald Trump)
Kirk’s response underscores a growing bipartisan effort to mend the rift in today’s political climate. Instead, he offers a vision in which understanding and compassion are able to accomplish much more than adversarial opposition.
The fights over the administration’s approach to Tylenol are becoming very heated. With many others, I’m wondering why they jumped to this conclusion and associated this widely used medication with autism risk with no solid evidence. Maternal health experts have warned against this and emphasized the need for nuanced, evidence-based discussions to take place when it comes to medications used during pregnancy. They sound the alarm that inducing alarm without scientific justification is even more harmful to public health and to emergency responders.