Despite High-Profile Lawsuits and Political Rhetoric, Only a Fraction of Americans Believe the Unproven Tylenol-Autism Claim
In an age where health misinformation spreads at the speed of light, a recent national survey offers a surprising dose of clarity on one of the most contentious claims in public health today: the unproven link between the common pain reliever Tylenol and autism. According to a significant poll, only a small minority of Americans definitively agree with the claim that Tylenol, or its active ingredient acetaminophen, causes autism.
The sentiment highlights a critical divide between the sensational headlines, political pronouncements, and the actual acceptance of a claim that has spurred a major federal legal battle. When pressed, only about four percent of adults surveyed said they believe the connection is “definitely true.”
The Confusion Factor: Uncertainty Reigns
While the number of outright believers is low, the poll results do reveal a public landscape dominated by confusion. Only 15 percent of Americans agreed with the unproven claim in a separate measurement, showing that most people remain skeptical or unsure. A key driver of this uncertainty has been the recent injection of the topic into the political arena. Last year, the Trump Administration issued a warning advising pregnant women to avoid acetaminophen, an action that medical professionals quickly pushed back against.
The survey found a stark partisan divide in how the public views the issue. More than half of Republicans, 56 percent, believe the claim is “definitely” or “probably true,” compared to just 12 percent of Democrats. This significant split suggests that trust in health information is increasingly filtered through political beliefs.
The Real Science: Association is Not Causation
The medical community has been consistent in its messaging: there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence to establish a causal link between taking acetaminophen during pregnancy and a child developing autism. Reputable medical groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have affirmed the drug’s safety. Experts note that while some observational studies have found an “association” or “correlation,” this does not mean Tylenol *causes* the condition.
A key nuance is that the illnesses that prompt a pregnant woman to take Tylenol, such as a high fever or infection, are themselves known risk factors for adverse developmental outcomes in a fetus. Researchers stress that this underlying illness is a potential confounding factor that some studies have not fully accounted for.
The Legal Battle Continues
The legal fight, however, remains active. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed in federal court alleging that manufacturers failed to warn consumers that prenatal exposure to acetaminophen could lead to autism and ADHD. Though a federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) judge dismissed the cases after excluding the plaintiffs’ expert testimony as scientifically insufficient in 2024, the plaintiffs have appealed that decision, leaving the litigation in limbo as of late 2025. Meanwhile, some plaintiffs are pursuing claims in state courts, where rules for expert evidence may differ.
Despite the legal drama and political debate, leading health organizations have not changed their guidance. Tylenol remains the most recommended over the counter pain reliever for pregnant women because the risks of an untreated fever or severe pain are far greater than any theoretical risks posed by the medication. For any pregnant person, the consensus from doctors remains clear: always consult your personal physician before taking any medication, including Tylenol.