FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Doctors for America
PO Box: 21161
2300 18th St NW Lbby
Washington, DC 20009-9996
September 29, 2025
Doctors for America Statement Denounces Claims Linking Tylenol and Autism
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Doctors for America (DFA) expresses deep concern over the recent federal announcement suggesting a causal link between acetaminophen (Tylenol) use during pregnancy and autism, particularly in the absence of new data supporting this claim.
This claim is not supported by current scientific evidence and spreading this false information can cause confusion, fear, and harm to pregnant patients and their families. As physicians and healthcare professionals, we are committed to ensuring that patients receive accurate, evidence-based information to make the best decisions for themselves and their children. For decades, acetaminophen has been one of the safest and most widely used medications in pregnancy, recommended by physicians to manage fever and pain – both of which can be dangerous if left untreated. Untreated maternal fever, for instance, is associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes as well as birth defects, while pain management remains essential for maternal health and well-being.
Multiple large, high-quality studies, including one published as recently as last year in the Journal of The American Medical Association (JAMA) that was a nationwide cohort study of 2 million children followed for multiple years, have found no significant association between the therapeutic use of acetaminophen in pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, or intellectual disability. Studies that have suggested otherwise have been limited by self-reported data, recall bias, and inadequate control for confounding variables such as infection, illness, or genetic factors, all of which are known to play roles in neurodevelopmental outcomes. As Food and Drug Administration’s own notice to physicians states, “a causal relationship has not been established and there are contrary studies in the scientific literature.”
We echo the statements from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), the Society of Maternal and Fetal Medicine (SMFM), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) among other medical organizations in reaffirming that acetaminophen remains an appropriate and safe choice when clinically indicated during pregnancy, and under the guidance of a patient’s physician. FDA has also stated in their notice to physicians that “acetaminophen is the safest over-the-counter alternative in pregnancy among all analgesics and antipyretics.” At a time when public trust in science and health institutions is under attack, it is imperative that federal agencies communicate with rigor, transparency, and responsibility. Oversimplified or misleading claims, especially those amplified by individuals with a record of spreading medical misinformation undermine both science and public health, and is harmful to parents and children
Doctors for America calls on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the White House to reaffirm their commitment to evidence-based guidance, and to consult with leading medical and scientific experts before issuing statements that may undermine clinical care, create confusion, and erode public trust. Before any changes are made to the label for acetaminophen, FDA should convene a public advisory committee meeting as they did over a decade ago to discuss the current state of evidence with independent experts before taking regulatory actions that would have a profound impact on public health for vulnerable populations.
###
About Doctors for America:
Doctors for America (DFA) is a national movement of over 40,000 physicians and medical students across all 50 states and every specialty who are committed to putting patients over politics. We mobilize and train clinicians to be effective advocates, equipping them with the skills to influence policy and lead change at both state and federal levels. Our work focuses on three core areas: expanding access to affordable care, strengthening community health and prevention, and advancing health justice and equity. Unlike many organizations, DFA does not accept funding from pharmaceutical companies, insurers, or for-profit healthcare corporations—ensuring that our voice remains independent, trusted, and grounded solely in what is best for patients. By uniting the trusted voices of doctors and medical trainees, DFA drives policy change, defends evidence-based care, and works to improve the health of our patients, communities, and nation. Find out more at doctorsforamerica.org and on Twitter drsforamerica or Bluesky drsforamerica.bsky.social.