Democratic Doctors Caucus Condemns Dangerous Misinformation on Acetaminophen and Autism

Washington, D.C.- The Democratic Doctors Caucus, comprised of U.S. Representatives Maxine Dexter (OR-03), Ami Bera (CA-06), Herbert Conaway (NJ-03), Kelly Morrison (MN-03), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), and Kim Schrier (WA-08), released the following statement in response to HHS Secretary Kennedy and President Trump's irresponsible press conference where they baselessly linked acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, to higher rates of autism.

"As physicians guided by science, evidence, and ethics, we can only describe Monday's press conference as incoherent and dangerous to the American public. Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications in the country. It is proven to relieve pain and reduce fever, and is considered to be safe for pregnant women and their fetuses. Trump's assertion that pregnant women need to 'tough it out' and not take acetaminophen not only dismisses the challenges of pregnancy, but puts the health and well-being of countless mothers and infants in danger. Conditions like viral infections, fevers, and pain can have adverse effects on the fetus when they are not treated with acetaminophen. Recklessly suggesting acetaminophen causes autism without credible scientific evidence needlessly sows fear,confusion, and guilt among patients and families.

"At a time when the White House has become a conduit for medical misinformation, as physicians, we encourage Americans to turn to their own trusted provider to determine what is best for them. Health care should be rooted in science, not politics."

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