Trump Advises Pregnant Women to “Tough It Out” Amid Controversy

During a recent news conference at the White House, Donald Trump advised pregnant women to “tough it out” rather than taking Tylenol to manage pain or fever. This comment, made on March 15, 2024, sparked backlash as it was perceived by many as a dismissal of women’s pain and an echo of outdated beliefs regarding maternal responsibility for autism.

Trump made these remarks while flanked by four male advisors during a discussion focused on autism. He urged expectant mothers to endure discomfort instead of relying on acetaminophen, known as paracetamol in other countries, which is one of the few pain relief options deemed safe for use during pregnancy. “Fight like hell not to take it,” he stated, suggesting that if women must use the medication, they should “work that out with themselves.”

The comments drew sharp criticism from women’s rights advocates and health professionals alike. Amanda Tietz, a social media influencer and mother of three from Wisconsin, expressed her frustration in an email, stating, “His use of ‘tough it out’ really was infuriating because it dismissed women’s pain and the real danger that exists with fever and miscarriage during pregnancy.”

The issue of maternal health has gained renewed attention, especially in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision in 2022 that removed constitutional protections for abortion, leading to intensified debates across state legislatures. Tietz’s sentiments reflect a broader concern about how women’s health issues are frequently minimized.

Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams also commented on the situation via social media, stating, “Yesterday, five powerful men stood together in the WH and shamed pregnant women, told to ‘tough it out’ through pain.” His remarks highlighted the broader implications of Trump’s statements regarding societal attitudes towards women and their health.

Dr. Nicole B. Saphier of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center clarified the medical perspective, noting that while acetaminophen can be taken during pregnancy, it should be done under medical supervision and at the lowest effective dose. She emphasized that untreated fever or severe pain could pose serious risks to both mothers and their babies, a crucial point that was not addressed in Trump’s comments. “Advising moderation was sound; delivering it in a patronizing, simplistic way was not,” she added.

Trump’s history of controversial remarks regarding women is well-documented. In the 2016 presidential campaign, he faced backlash for derogatory comments about journalist Megyn Kelly, which underscored his pattern of making dismissive statements about women. This latest incident has reignited discussions about the paternalistic tone often found in medical discourse regarding women’s health.

The concept of blaming mothers for their children’s conditions is not new. Historically, theories have suggested that maternal behavior could influence the development of autism. Alison Singer, founder of the Autism Science Foundation, noted, “He basically said, if you can’t take the pain, if you can’t deal with the fever, then it’s your fault.” This reflects a long-standing narrative that has often placed undue responsibility on women regarding their children’s health.

Mary E. Fissell, a professor of medical history at Johns Hopkins University, pointed to the historical context of such remarks. She described Trump’s comments as part of a recurring theme in which mothers are unjustly blamed for their children’s health issues. “It’s the classic blame-the-mother … over and over again,” she stated, referring to outdated medical beliefs about the influence of maternal thoughts and feelings on fetal development.

In a moment of self-awareness, Trump acknowledged during the press conference that it is easy for him to make such a suggestion, noting, “You know, it’s easy for me to say tough it out. But sometimes in life or a lot of other things, you have to tough it out also.” This admission, however, did little to assuage the concerns of those who felt that his advice lacked compassion and understanding of the complexities surrounding pregnancy.

The dialogue surrounding Trump’s comments serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges women face regarding health care and societal expectations. As the discussion unfolds, many advocates continue to call for a more empathetic and informed approach to women’s health issues, emphasizing the importance of listening to women’s experiences and respecting their autonomy in medical decisions.