As debates swirl over Donald Trump’s recent warnings for pregnant women about Tylenol and potential autism links, Vice President JD Vance has stepped in to offer a more measured perspective.
In an exclusive interview with News Nation, Vance advised expecting mothers to “lean on their doctors” and carefully weigh the risks and benefits of any medication during pregnancy.
“We know some of these medications have side effects,” Vance said. “Even with those risks, sometimes they’re necessary.”
Drawing on personal experience, he shared a story of considering Tylenol for his own sick children, but ultimately following a doctor’s guidance to avoid it due to potential side effects.
“Maybe in a case of very high fever, you have to take something,” he added, emphasizing the importance of context and professional advice.
Following the Science Remains Key
Vance highlighted that the debate isn’t about avoiding medications entirely, but rather about being mindful.
“The CDC and experts like Bobby Kennedy are saying these drugs do have side effects, and we need to follow the science wherever it leads,” he explained.
He urged pregnant women to take their doctor’s advice seriously and remain cautious when considering any treatment.
Pushback From Republican Senator Bill Cassidy
Not everyone agrees with Trump’s alarmist stance.
Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who leads the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, directly challenged the claim linking Tylenol to autism, stating, “The preponderance of evidence shows that this is not the case.”
Vance responded supportively, saying he is “absolutely on board” with gathering more evidence and following science-based conclusions.
Dr. Mehmet Oz Offers a More Practical Perspective
Dr. Mehmet Oz also weighed in during a Tuesday appearance on TMZ Live, advising that pregnant women with high fevers should take medications like Tylenol if prescribed by a doctor.
“If you have a high fever, the doctor’s almost certainly going to prescribe something—Tylenol might be one of the options,” he said.
Oz stressed that minor aches or low-grade fevers are not typically a reason to use the drug, but admitted that limited use may be safe, though the science is not fully settled.
His comments contrast sharply with Trump’s emphatic announcement earlier in the week: “With Tylenol, don’t take it. Don’t take it!”
White House Context and RFK Jr.’s Involvement
At Monday’s White House event, Trump was joined by Dr. Oz and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been investigating autism trends in the U.S. While Trump strongly discouraged Tylenol use during pregnancy, Kennedy took a more cautious tone and did not outright forbid its use.
Trump admitted that his approach was more aggressive, stating, “I’d like to be a little speedier in the process of a recommendation because there’s no harm going quickly.”
Tylenol Remains the Standard Pain Relief for Pregnant Women
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, has been the most common pain reliever for pregnant women for decades.
Leading medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, continue to recognize it as the only pain relief option deemed safe for expecting mothers when used appropriately.