Trump to link autism to Tylenol use during pregnancy
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Trump and Kennedy at the White House in July. Photo: Yuri Gripas/Abaca/Bloomberg via Getty Images
President Trump and his top health officials are expected to draw a link between autism and the use of Tylenol during pregnancy at a White House event on Monday afternoon.
Why it matters: The mention of a connection, first reported by the Wall Street Journal earlier this month, would revive a medical controversy over the use of Tylenol's active ingredient acetaminophen early in a pregnancy.
- Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has promoted debunked theories about the disorder, said conclusions from a government report on the causes of autism would be revealed this month.
- Over the weekend, Trump touted an announcement for Monday.
Driving the news: Trump is due to appear with Kennedy, CMS administrator Mehmet Oz and others Monday afternoon.
- The officials are also expected to suggest a connection between autism and low levels of the vitamin folate. The WSJ report said the administration would identify a form of folate known as leucovorin as a way to decrease the symptoms of autism.
What they're saying: "President Trump pledged to address America's rising rate of autism, and to do so with Gold Standard science. Tomorrow's announcement will make historic progress on both commitments," said White House spokesman Kush Desai.
Between the lines: Some studies have found that prenatal exposure to the pain medication increased the risk of both autism spectrum disorder and ADHD.
- But a large study of data from more than 2 million children in Sweden concluded last year there was no connection.
- Earlier, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists concluded there's no clear evidence of a relationship between prudent use of acetaminophen and fetal developmental issues.
Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, said in a statement: "We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expecting mothers."
