The president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists said Monday that suggestions that Tylenol use in pregnancy causes autism are "irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients."
President Donald Trump said Monday in a White House announcement that the Food and Drug Administration will be notifying doctors that the use of acetaminophen "can be associated" with an increased risk of autism.
"Today's announcement by HHS is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence and dangerously simplifies the many and complex causes of neurologic challenges in children," Dr. Steven Fleischman said in a statement. "It is highly unsettling that our federal health agencies are willing to make an announcement that will affect the health and well-being of millions of people without the backing of reliable data."
More on what we know about autism from our coverage:
- Trump administration suggests acetaminophen during pregnancy causes autism. Experts say a link between the two is unproven
- Research doesn't show using Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism. Here are 5 things to know
- What research reveals about the rise in autism diagnoses and why vaccines aren't the cause
- 'Good science takes time': Researcher skeptical autism cause will be found by September