US families in Tylenol-autism lawsuits urge appeals court to consider Trump team’s stance

Families appealing against the dismissal of their lawsuits alleging that Kenvue’s Tylenol, or generic versions of the pain-relief medication, caused their children’s autism are asking an appeals court to consider US President Donald Trump’s new advice that pregnant women avoid the painkiller as it decides whether to revive their lawsuits.

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(PHOTO: REUTERS)

Ms Ashley Keller, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, filed a letter on Sept 25 alerting the New York-based 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals to the Trump administration’s stance on the alleged link between Tylenol and autism.

In a news conference at the White House on Sept 22, Mr Trump delivered medical advice to pregnant women, repeatedly telling them not to use acetaminophen - also known as paracetamol — the active ingredient in Tylenol.

A judge in 2024 dismissed hundreds of lawsuits alleging a connection between Tylenol or generic versions of the drug and autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder diagnoses, saying the experts whom the plaintiffs relied on had failed to support their conclusions with scientific evidence.

In the letter on Sept 24, Ms Keller told the appeals court that a ruling upholding the lower court’s decision would pose “grave separation of powers concerns” because the Trump administration had turned to the same experts in developing its position.