Lancet Review Finds No Causal Link Between Prenatal Tylenol and Autism, Directly Contradicting Trump Officials’ Claims
A Lancet review concludes there is no causal link between prenatal acetaminophen (Tylenol) use and autism or ADHD. The finding directly contradicts recent claims by Trump administration officials and has prompted mainstream medical experts and major broadcast outlets to publicly push back against the administration’s suggested Tylenol–autism connection.
📌 Key Facts
- A Lancet review concluded there is no causal link between prenatal acetaminophen (Tylenol) exposure and autism.
- CBS (CBS Mornings) explicitly framed the Lancet review as contradicting the Trump administration's recent claims that acetaminophen use during pregnancy may be driving autism rates, and noted mainstream medical experts are using the review to publicly push back.
- Major U.S. broadcast outlets are treating the administration's proposed Tylenol–autism linkage as out of step with the best available evidence.
📊 Relevant Data
The inversion in autism prevalence rates by race after 2010, with higher rates now in Black, Hispanic, and Asian or Pacific Islander children compared to White children, is attributed to changes in screening and diagnostic practices, health insurance policies like the ACA improving access for non-White groups, immigration policy changes, increased education attainment in minority groups, and reduced impact of neighborhood wealth on diagnosis.
Racial Differences in the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review — PMC (PubMed Central)
There are no significant geographic or ethnic variations in worldwide autism spectrum disorder prevalence, suggesting that genetic factors contributing to autism risk are likely consistent across racial groups.
Racial Differences in the Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review — PMC (PubMed Central)
In 2023, the mean maternal age at first birth in the US varied by race and Hispanic origin: 28.3 years for non-Hispanic White women, 25.9 years for non-Hispanic Black women, 25.7 years for Hispanic women, and 31.5 years for non-Hispanic Asian women; advanced maternal age is associated with increased autism risk, with mothers over 40 having approximately 50% higher risk compared to younger mothers.
National Vital Statistics Reports: Trends in Mean Age of Mothers in the United States, 2016 to 2023 — CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
- CBS explicitly frames the Lancet review as contradicting 'the Trump administration's recent claims' that acetaminophen use in pregnancy may be driving autism rates.
- The segment underscores that the review is being used by mainstream medical experts to publicly push back on those administration claims.
- Reinforces that major U.S. broadcast outlets are now treating the administration’s Tylenol–autism linkage as out of step with the best available evidence.