Portland, Oregon- The Oregon Nurses Association on Friday pushed back against recent remarks by President Donald Trump advising pregnant women to “avoid Tylenol at all costs” and announcing plans for new federal warning labels against acetaminophen use in pregnancy.
The union, which represents more than 15,000 nurses and health care workers across the state, said Trump’s comments are not supported by scientific evidence and could undermine public trust in evidence-based medicine.
“There is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders,” the group said in a statement. “Suggesting otherwise spreads harmful misinformation, creates unnecessary fear among pregnant patients and families, and may lead to the undertreatment of pain and fever during pregnancy—both of which carry significant health risks for parents and babies.”
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is one of the most commonly used medications during pregnancy and is generally considered safe when used as directed. Health experts say untreated fever is a known risk factor for birth complications, and untreated pain can harm both the health and quality of life of pregnant patients.
At the same time, Tylenol’s packaging carries a precautionary statement: “If pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a health professional before use.” The Food and Drug Administration also advises that all medications during pregnancy, including over-the-counter products, should be taken under medical supervision.
Earlier this week, the White House reposted a 2017 message from the official Tylenol account that read:
“We actually don’t recommend using any of our products while pregnant. Thank you for taking the time to voice your concerns today.”
Tylenol’s parent company, Kenvue, later issued a statement saying the post was taken out of context. The company emphasized that it does not make sweeping recommendations about drug use during pregnancy, deferring to medical providers. It noted that its overarching guidance has remained consistent: “Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy.”
Critics argue that the 2017 tweet is not equivalent to a scientific endorsement and may reflect a consumer relations response rather than clinical guidance.
While some recent studies have raised questions about possible links between acetaminophen exposure in pregnancy and developmental outcomes, major health organizations have not found enough evidence to recommend avoiding the drug altogether. Instead, medical guidance emphasizes consulting a physician and using the lowest effective dose for the shortest possible time.
The Oregon Nurses Association said its members will continue to follow established medical guidance. “Frontline caregivers are bound by professional ethics to provide care that is safe, effective, and rooted in science,” the group said.
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