NMA Statement on Federal Government’s Misleading Announcement On Acetaminophen Use in Pregnancy
September 23, 2025
Yesterday’s announcement regarding the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy being linked to autism is both confusing and potentially harmful for our parents, pregnant mothers, and our unborn babies. As an organization that has fought for health equity for more than 130 years and represents the interests of more than 50,000 Black physicians across the U.S., we are deeply concerned by the continued promulgation of medical and scientific misinformation by our country’s federal agencies.
The National Medical Association strongly encourages families to work closely with their trusted physicians to determine what is best for them and their children. Acetaminophen has long been used safely in pregnancy, including for the treatment of high fevers. In fact, other pain medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen have documented neonatal risk. While research on Tylenol’s impact on unborn children remains inconclusive, the evidence is clear that untreated high fevers during pregnancy can cause serious harm to both the mother and baby. Neurodevelopmental disorders are complex and often have many different causes, making it challenging to link them to a single source. Research has shown that the human brain grows until 15 months of age, and children can be influenced by many factors that might cause problems later.
The ongoing stream of announcements, funding shifts, and policy changes being advanced without appropriate scientific rigor are creating unnecessary uncertainty for physicians and patients alike. The National Medical Association and its 27 specialty sections stand to serve as a source of scientific and medical truth for our nation.
We urge all Americans to make their health care decisions in partnership with their healthcare providers, guided by science and evidence. The National Medical Association stands firmly with individuals and families affected by autism, uplifting their voices and experiences. We remain committed to advancing research, advocacy, and compassionate care that promotes understanding, equity, and dignity for all.
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About the National Medical Association:
The NMA is the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing Black physicians and health professionals in the U.S. and promotes the collective interests of physicians and patients of African descent. We serve as the voice of Black physicians and a leading voice for parity in medicine, elimination of health disparities and promotion of optimal health. To learn more about the NMA, please visit https://www.nmanet.org/.
