Trump’s Tylenol warning sparks backlash from doctors, autism advocates in Michiana

SOUTH BEND,Ind. -- Trump’s Tylenol warning sparks backlash from doctors, autism advocates in Michiana.

A White House announcement linking Tylenol use during pregnancy to autism is drawing sharp reactions from doctors and specialists in Michiana, who say the evidence is far from conclusive and could create unnecessary fear.


President Donald Trump, alongside Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., said the administration is backing a Harvard study that found statistical associations between acetaminophen and autism. Trump went further, urging women to “fight like hell” to avoid using the drug while pregnant.

Local medical leaders say the president’s remarks oversimplify complex research.

Mark Fox, dean of the IU School of Medicine South Bend, warned that correlation should not be confused with causation

“If I told you that shark attacks and ice cream consumption are correlated, we don’t think eating more ice cream causes more shark attacks,” Fox said. “It’s important to recognize there isn’t a good alternative for pain and fever control in pregnancy, so acetaminophen is still the safest option when used responsibly.”

Autism service providers also voiced concern that the announcement could add to parental guilt. Kristin Wier, Chief Program Officer at Logan Center, said families have already reached out with questions.

“That’s a lot of pressure to put on yourself, without a lot of evidence to even support that notion,” she said.

Major health groups continue to stand by that acetaminophen is safe when taken at the lowest effective dose. Doctors stress that untreated fevers during pregnancy can also pose risks to the baby.

For now, local experts say the best step for families is to consult their physician.