In a surprising turn, President Donald Trump has sparked debate by warning pregnant women against using acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, citing a link to rising autism cases, as Spectrum News reports.

This week, Trump's assertion during a press conference, alongside criticism from medical experts, lawmakers, and former President Barack Obama, as well as more measured responses from Vice President JD Vance and CMS head Dr. Mehmet Oz, has fueled a national conversation on medication safety during pregnancy.

On Monday, Trump held a press conference with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and he declared that his administration believes Tylenol use during pregnancy contributes to an increase in autism diagnoses. His statement was firm, leaving little ambiguity as he repeatedly urged expectant mothers to avoid the drug.

Trump's claims sparks backlash

This announcement directly contradicted decades of research by U.S. and international health agencies, which have found no conclusive evidence tying acetaminophen to autism. The lack of scientific consensus on this issue quickly drew attention and concern from various quarters.

Criticism emerged swiftly from within Trump’s own party, with Senate Majority Leader John Thune expressing deep unease. Thune told CNN on Wednesday that he was “very concerned” about the potential harm to women’s health and emphasized that science should steer such critical discussions.

Similarly, Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy, a physician and chair of the Senate health committee, challenged the administration’s stance. On X, Cassidy called for the release of supporting data, stating that “the preponderance of evidence shows that this is not the case.”

Political figures question theory

Across the aisle, former President Barack Obama also weighed in with sharp disapproval during an event in London. He condemned Trump’s remarks as spreading unfounded claims about medications and autism, describing them as “violence against the truth.”

Obama further cautioned that such statements could erode trust in public health initiatives. He noted the potential to cause distress among pregnant women and families of autistic children.

Amid the backlash, Vance offered a more tempered perspective in a Wednesday interview with NewsNation. He advised pregnant women to “follow your doctor” when making decisions about medication use.

Vance, Oz advocate for context-specific guidance

Vance underscored the importance of individualized care, saying that choices about medication are “very context-specific” and should be assessed on a “case by case” basis. He also acknowledged Trump’s announcement and CDC guidelines, suggesting that the key message is to exercise caution.

Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, echoed Vance’s call for consulting healthcare providers. Speaking to TMZ, Oz clarified that taking Tylenol under a doctor’s guidance, such as for a high fever, is “not the problem.”

The doctor elaborated that the real issue lies in the unnecessary overuse of the drug. He stressed that the administration’s intent, supported by Trump, was to raise awareness about possible risks and encourage prudent use.

Balancing caution with scientific proof

The controversy surrounding Trump’s remarks highlights a broader tension between public health messaging and scientific evidence. While the administration aims to promote caution, critics argue that unsubstantiated claims may lead to confusion and fear among expectant mothers.

Thune’s insistence on science-driven dialogue reflects a concern shared by many in the medical and political spheres. His comments underscore the need for clarity and evidence when addressing sensitive health topics.

As the debate unfolds, figures like Vance and Oz appear to be navigating a middle ground, prioritizing professional medical advice over blanket prohibitions. Their responses suggest an effort to mitigate potential alarm while acknowledging the administration’s overarching message of vigilance.