Trump’s Tylenol Warning to Pregnant Women Reduced ER Use, Study Finds

Emergency room visits involving acetaminophen – commonly known as Tylenol – among pregnant women decreased by roughly 10% in the months following former President Donald Trump’s public warnings about a potential link between the pain reliever and autism, according to a new study published in The Lancet. The study, led by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, found no corresponding change in acetaminophen orders for non-pregnant patients presenting to emergency departments.

The former president repeatedly urged pregnant women to avoid Tylenol in September 2025, citing an unproven association with an increased risk of autism in their children. These statements were made alongside then-Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., despite the lack of conclusive scientific evidence supporting the claim.

Understanding the Study Findings

Dr. Jeremy Faust, the lead author of the Lancet study, explained that the decrease in acetaminophen prescriptions in emergency departments was “immediate.” Researchers analyzed electronic health records from over 1,600 hospitals to assess prescribing patterns before and after the former president’s announcement. Even as the study demonstrates a correlation between the public statements and a shift in prescribing behavior, it doesn’t establish a causal link. It remains unclear whether the decline was due to physicians prescribing less Tylenol, or patients declining the medication.

“This is thousands of women not getting pain control or not getting fever reduction when they need it, when they want it, when they would benefit from it,” Dr. Faust told NPR.

The Evidence – and Its Limits

The concerns raised by the former president and Secretary Kennedy stem from limited research suggesting a possible association between acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, major health organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, continue to endorse the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy when medically necessary.

It’s important to understand that correlation does not equal causation. While some studies have observed a statistical association between acetaminophen use and autism, this does not prove that the medication causes autism. Many factors contribute to the development of autism spectrum disorder, and it’s likely a complex interplay of genetic and environmental influences. The study in The Lancet focused solely on emergency department visits and doesn’t capture the broader picture of Tylenol use among pregnant women in other settings, such as primary care offices or at home.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not updated Tylenol’s label to include a warning about autism risk, and Kenvue, the manufacturer of Tylenol, reports that Tylenol consumption “improved” in December, suggesting a return to previous levels. Kenvue maintains that “there is no credible data that shows a proven link between taking acetaminophen and autism.”

Beyond Tylenol: The Leucovorin Trend

The former administration’s September announcement also included a promotion of leucovorin, a form of folic acid, as a potential treatment for autism. This recommendation was met with skepticism from the medical community, as there is limited scientific evidence to support its use for this purpose. The Lancet study also observed a significant increase in leucovorin prescriptions following the announcement, a trend that did not subside by December, unlike the decline in acetaminophen prescriptions.

Interest in leucovorin has been fueled by anecdotal reports and online communities, but researchers like Dr. Paul Offit caution that its popularity is “far ahead of the science.” Large-scale clinical trials are needed to determine whether leucovorin is safe and effective for treating autism.

The Role of Public Health Messaging

The study highlights the powerful influence of public health messaging, particularly when delivered by high-profile figures. Dr. Caleb Alexander, an epidemiology professor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, noted that the former president’s statements “had an immediate impact on how much Tylenol or acetaminophen was being ordered in emergency departments.” This underscores the importance of clear, evidence-based communication from public health officials and the potential for misinformation to affect healthcare decisions.

What Does This Mean for Pregnant Women?

Pregnant women experiencing pain or fever should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate course of treatment. Acetaminophen remains a generally safe and effective option for managing these symptoms when used as directed. It’s crucial to weigh the potential risks and benefits of any medication with a qualified clinician, considering individual health circumstances and medical history.

Looking Ahead: Ongoing Research and Guidance

The FDA is currently reviewing the available evidence regarding acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental outcomes. While no label changes have been made to date, the agency continues to monitor the situation and will update its guidance as new information becomes available. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential relationship between acetaminophen exposure during pregnancy and long-term neurodevelopmental effects.

For reliable information about acetaminophen and pregnancy, consult with your healthcare provider or refer to resources from reputable organizations such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (https://www.acog.org/) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/).