On Monday, September 23rd, 2025, President Donald Trump announced in a press conference that the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would be changing recommendations regarding the use of Tylenol by pregnant women. In the conference, President Trump– alongside Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stated on Monday morning that it was no longer recommended for pregnant women to take acetaminophen (more commonly known by the brand name Tylenol) due to the reported evidence that acetaminophen consumption while pregnant can cause long-term neurological effects. The research President Trump was referencing was a 42-page study led by Dr. Andrea Baccarelli, Dean of the Faculty at Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. While the study does suggest that women who took acetaminophen while pregnant were slightly more likely to have a child diagnosed with autism later in life, it’s important to look at the whole picture, and not just the study results. First, it’s important to understand what autism is. According to the Mayo Clinic, Autism spectrum disorder, or ASD is “A condition related to brain development that affects how people see others and socialize with them.”  Autism spectrum disorder is not a condition that can be cured, nor does it have a single known cause. There are a variety of things that can play a role in someone being diagnosed with ASD—their genetics, environmental factors, family history, preterm birth, or even baby’s sex. But while people with ASD may need more support with developing social skills or language development, they can live happy and fulfilling lives even while having this diagnosis. Furthermore, acetaminophen has long been the recommended over-the-counter pain medication for pregnant women, as it’s an affordable option to reduce pain and fever during pregnancy. Amanda Reichenbach, a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) providing women’s healthcare in Johnson City said this about the report: “As an OB provider, I understand the concerns that can arise from evolving information and public discussion about medication use during pregnancy. At this time, the available scientific evidence does not support a definitive link between acetaminophen – commonly known as Tylenol– and autism. Acetaminophen remains one of the safest options for managing pain and fever in pregnancy when used as directed. Avoiding its use can, in some instances, be detrimental to patients– leaving a fever untreated can cause complications for both mother and baby. What I am doing currently is reviewing literature with patients, both demonstrating its safety as well as the published studies showing a possible correlation with acetaminophen and autism, and leaving the choice in the patient’s hands. I continue to monitor guidance from trusted medical and scientific organizations, as my priority is always the safety of my patients.” As college students, regardless of your future career field, it’s important that you stay aware and in the know about what’s going on in the world to ensure you are well rounded and educated in all areas. Paying attention to the news also ensures you can spot misinformation in the future.

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