The World Health Organization (WHO) is refuting claims made by the Trump administration that using acetaminophen during pregnancy increases the risk of autism, emphasizing that there is no scientific consensus supporting such a link.
In a statement released Wednesday, the agency said, “Extensive research, including large-scale studies over the past decade, has found no consistent association.” It added, “WHO recommends that all women continue to follow the advice of their doctors or healthcare providers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medications.”
Concerns grew earlier in the week when Donald Trump, alongside senior health officials including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., warned about acetaminophen—the active ingredient in Tylenol—claiming it contributes to rising autism rates. The announcement also included plans for a new study looking into possible connections between childhood vaccines and autism.
“Taking Tylenol is not good… all pregnant women should talk to their doctors about limiting the use of this medication while pregnant,” Trump said on Monday.
The WHO stressed that all medications should be used cautiously during pregnancy, especially early on, but noted that earlier studies raising concerns about acetaminophen were flawed and have since been discredited.
The organization also reaffirmed its position on vaccines, stating that “large, high-quality studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion”—that vaccines do not cause autism. It highlighted that over the past 50 years, global immunization efforts guided by the WHO have prevented at least 154 million deaths. The vaccine schedule “remains essential for the health and wellbeing of every child and every community,” it said.
Autism affects an estimated 62 million people worldwide, or about 1 in 127 individuals. Its exact causes remain unclear, with researchers pointing to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Other medical experts have also expressed concern over the Trump administration’s unsupported claims.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) released a statement saying, “Suggestions that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism are not only highly concerning to clinicians but also irresponsible, given the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients.”
The topic of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions is expected to be a key focus at the UN high-level meeting on mental health and non-communicable diseases scheduled for Thursday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the WHOs refutation of a claimed link between Tylenol and autism written in a natural conversational tone
FAQs WHO Statement on Tylenol and Autism
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What was the main claim that the World Health Organization responded to
The WHO responded to a claim suggesting that taking Tylenol during pregnancy could cause autism in children
2 What did the WHO say about this claim
The WHO clearly stated that there is no established scientific evidence linking the use of Tylenol to the development of autism They refuted the claim as unfounded
3 What is Tylenol and what is it used for
Tylenol is a common brand name for the drug acetaminophen Its widely used to relieve pain and reduce fever
4 So is it safe to take Tylenol while pregnant
For the relief of pain or fever healthcare professionals generally consider acetaminophen to be one of the safer options during pregnancy when used at the recommended dose and for the shortest time necessary You should always consult your doctor before taking any medication while pregnant
Advanced Detailed Questions
5 Why would someone think theres a link between Tylenol and autism
This idea comes from a small number of observational studies that suggested a possible correlation However correlation does not equal causation These studies have significant limitations and their findings have not been confirmed by more rigorous research Major health bodies have reviewed all the available data and found no conclusive proof of a causeandeffect relationship
6 What kind of evidence did the WHO base its refutation on
The WHOs position is based on comprehensive reviews of all available scientific literature This includes largescale studies and analyses by other major health agencies that have all concluded there is no credible evidence supporting a link
7 If the science isnt conclusive why is the WHO making such a strong statement
Public health organizations like the WHO have a duty to provide clear guidance based on the best available evidence When a claim is made without strong scientific backing it can cause unnecessary fear and lead people to avoid safe medications which could pose its own health risks
