Large Study Finds No Link Between Tylenol and Autism During Pregnancy

Researchers analyzed over 1.5 million children born between 1997 and 2022.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:03am

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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 sowed confusion and fear among 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, showing 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 unsubstantiated 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 over 1.5 million children born in Denmark between 1997 and 2022. They found that 1.8% of children exposed to Tylenol during pregnancy developed autism, compared to 3.0% of those not exposed. This suggests there is no causal link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. A prior study of siblings also found no link between Tylenol and autism.

  • The study was published in JAMA Pediatrics in April 2026.
  • The data analyzed covered children born between 1997 and 2022.

The players

JAMA Pediatrics

A peer-reviewed medical journal published by the American Medical Association that focuses on pediatric health research.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who previously urged pregnant women to avoid taking Tylenol due to an unsubstantiated link to autism.

Kenvue

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

American College of Obstetrician & Gynecologists

A professional organization that pushed back against the Trump administration's warnings about Tylenol, noting it is one of the few safe options for pregnant women to treat pain and fever.

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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 President of the United States

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 unsubstantiated claims. 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.