Large Study Finds No Link Between Tylenol Use During Pregnancy and Autism

The study of over 1.5 million children in Denmark contradicts previous claims made by the Trump administration.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract, ghostly X-ray image revealing the internal molecular structure of a Tylenol capsule, conceptually representing the scientific findings that Tylenol does not cause autism in children.A new study finds no link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism, contradicting previous claims that had caused confusion and concern for expectant mothers.NYC Today

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics has found no link between taking acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, during pregnancy and the development of autism in children. The study analyzed data on over 1.5 million children born in Denmark between 1997 and 2022, and found that 1.8% of those exposed to Tylenol during pregnancy developed autism compared to 3.0% of those not exposed.

Why it matters

This study contradicts previous claims made by the Trump administration that urged pregnant women to avoid Tylenol due to an alleged link to autism. The findings provide reassurance to expectant mothers that Tylenol is generally safe to use during pregnancy to treat pain and fever, which can be harmful if left untreated.

The details

Researchers analyzed data on 1.5 million children born in Denmark between 1997 and 2022. They found that 1.8% of those exposed to Tylenol during pregnancy developed autism, compared to 3.0% of those not exposed. This contradicts a prior study out of Sweden that also found no causal link between Tylenol and autism. The new study comes after the Trump administration had previously urged pregnant mothers to avoid Tylenol without substantive evidence.

  • The study was published in JAMA Pediatrics this week.
  • The data analyzed covered children born between 1997 and 2022.

The players

JAMA Pediatrics

A peer-reviewed medical journal that published the new study on Tylenol and autism.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who had previously urged pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol without evidence.

Kenvue

The maker of the Tylenol brand, which disagreed with the Trump administration's claims about a link between Tylenol and autism.

American College of Obstetrician & Gynecologists

A medical organization that pushed back on the Trump administration's claims, noting that Tylenol is one of the few safe options for pregnant women to treat pain and fever.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“With Tylenol, don't take it. Don't take it. If you can't live, if your fever is so bad, you have to take one, because there's no alternative to that.”

— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President

The takeaway

This large-scale study provides strong evidence that Tylenol use during pregnancy does not increase the risk of autism in children, contradicting previous claims made by the Trump administration. The findings should reassure expectant mothers that Tylenol is generally safe to use when needed to treat pain and fever, which can be harmful if left untreated.