US President Donald Trump, joined by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., recently claimed that the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy is linked to a rise in autism, urging women to avoid it unless absolutely necessary. He also suggested re-evaluating vaccine schedules in children. Medical experts and pregnancy health authorities immediately criticised the statements as lacking credible scientific support.
Online, reactions have been intense and varied. On X/Twitter, many users expressed frustration and fear, saying the claims could cause undue worry among pregnant women. Memes have spread too — some exaggerated the scenario, others sarcastically comparing Tylenol to ‘superpowers’ lost if avoiding it. There are also posts sharing personal stories: parents debating whether their own use of painkillers might have played a role, even though they acknowledge they weren’t doctors. Meanwhile, groups such as the National Autistic Society condemned the claim, calling it ‘anti-science’ and warning against the spread of misinformation.
Trump: People in Cuba can’t afford to buy Tylenol, and they have virtually no autism.
We’re governed by the absolute dumbest people in the world
pic.twitter.com/QjJ1DaVafz— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) September 22, 2025
🚨BREAKING: Trump ends his news conference by again insisting “DON’T TAKE TYLENOL!”
This is beyond reckless – millions rely on Tylenol safely every single day. After their lawsuit Tylenol is going to own half the country.
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) September 22, 2025
Donald Trump suggests that Tylenol use during pregnancy causes autism in babies and advises pregnant women not to take it.
No new evidence was presented, and no conclusive study has found that Tylenol causes autism. pic.twitter.com/rouHT5KXsH
— Pop Base (@PopBase) September 22, 2025
PLEASE DO NOT LISTEN TO THIS 2nd GRADER!!!!! These are all lies!!! It’s an Epstein distraction!
Idiot Trump: “With Tylenol, don’t take it. Don’t take it. And if you can’t live, if your fever is so bad, you have to take one because there’s no alternative to that, sadly. First… pic.twitter.com/q9j0hJseFR
— Morgan J. Freeman (@mjfree) September 22, 2025
As an autistic person, I’m frustrated by Trump’s recent claims about Tylenol and autism.
Autism shouldn’t be seen negatively; you can’t “fix” it or prevent it. Instead of pushing people to meet societal norms, we should support them, not alienate them.
— . (@leeiful) September 23, 2025
So Tylenol contains acetaminophen and supposedly according to Trump and RFK jr that causes autism… Well there are over 600 plus other medications made with acetaminophen. pic.twitter.com/7ScpgXa6A0
— Renegade Cowboy🐾🐾 🌊⚓️🌊🐾🐾 (@Rene_gadeCowboy) September 22, 2025
Trump just name dropped Tylenol, Motrin, Aspirin, and Advil and told people to not take any of them.
He’s about to get SUED SUED! pic.twitter.com/r3mJbD3bkI
— Shao Trommashere 🪷🐝 🇺🇦🏳️🌈 (@MedicTrommasher) September 22, 2025
Medical experts emphasise that decades of research, including large-scale Swedish and US studies, have found no causal link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism. Makers of Tylenol, Kenvue, issued statements opposing Trump’s claim, citing the drug’s record of safety. Health regulators in the UK and elsewhere also reaffirmed that Tylenol remains among the safest options for treating pain and fever in pregnant women, when used correctly.
Originally published on IBTimes UK