State health officials in California have responded to recent claims about the safety of acetaminophen use during pregnancy. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH), the Office of the Surgeon General, and the Department of Developmental Services released a joint statement addressing concerns raised by statements from federal authorities.
“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,” the agencies said.
The statement criticizes what it describes as oversimplified answers from federal officials regarding complex medical issues, warning that such information can be harmful. The Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (SDBP) has reviewed decades of research and concluded that autism results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, with no strong evidence linking appropriate acetaminophen use during pregnancy to negative effects on fetal development. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) also criticized recent federal opinions on this topic as “irresponsible.”
The CDPH emphasized its ongoing collaboration with healthcare and scientific partners to provide reliable information. “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 the statement.
