State health officials in California have responded to recent claims about the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy. The statement was issued jointly by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Office of the Surgeon General, and the Department of Developmental Services.
“Americans deserve clear medical guidance that is the result of a rigorous scientific process. We urge everyone to seek out credible medical guidance to inform their health care choices and to have conversations with their licensed health care providers,” state officials said.
The agencies addressed concerns over what they describe as an increase in simplified answers and misinformation from federal sources regarding complex medical issues. They referenced findings from the Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP), which determined that decades of research indicate autism results from both genetic and environmental factors, and there is no strong evidence linking proper use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy with harmful effects on fetal development. The statement also cited a separate news release from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), which called recent federal opinions “irresponsible.”
“The California Department of Public Health will continue to work with partners in health care and science to share guidance that people can trust. California is committed to providing up-to-date, evidence-based information and resources to support healthy pregnancies and the workforce and families supporting individuals with autism,” according to CDPH.
The announcement follows ongoing public debate about medication safety during pregnancy, as well as broader discussions on autism causes, emphasizing reliance on established scientific consensus rather than unverified claims.
