The Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention (AWHP) is deeply troubled by the Administration and top federal health officials’ announcement linking the use of acetaminophen early in pregnancy with an increased risk of autism in children. The weight of current scientific evidence does not support a causal connection between acetaminophen and autism. AWHP respectfully urges the Administration to revisit its guidance.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine have maintained that recent studies linking acetaminophen to autism show “no clear evidence that proves a direct relationship between the prudent use of acetaminophen during any trimester and fetal developmental issues.”
We know that autism doesn’t have a single cause. Instead, a combination of various genetic and environmental factors is often what leads to the development of autism. A recent statement from the Autism Science Foundation makes this clear – the cause of autism cannot be boiled down to one exposure.
In response to the Administration’s report, Millicent Gorham, CEO of the Alliance for Women’s Health & Prevention (AWHP), issued the following statement:
“Pregnancy is a vital time in a woman’s life when evidence-based preventive care is essential. By making this unfounded public assertion linking acetaminophen use to autism, the President runs the risk of widely dissuading pregnant individuals from utilizing what has been established as one of the only widely accessible and safe forms of pain and fever relief during pregnancy.
I strongly encourage the Administration to consider the broader impact that this announcement will have for women’s preventive health. Women need clear, factual information to make health decisions with their providers.
AWHP remains committed to ensuring women have trustworthy, science-driven guidance at every stage of life.”
About AWHP
The Alliance for Women’s Health and Prevention is a non-partisan 501(c)(4) non-profit organization working to ensure that all women and girls have access to high-quality preventive care. Our mission is to advance policy that drives equitable access and prevents the burden and progression of disease to improve the lives and health of all women and girls.
For more information, please visit WomensHealthandPrevention.org and follow us on LinkedIn and X @AWHPOrg.
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