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 issued 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 medicines.”
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 links 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.
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 agency 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 issue of autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions is expected to be a key topic 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 tone with clear direct answers
FAQs WHO Statement on Tylenol and Autism
BeginnerLevel Questions
1 What was the basic claim that started this
The claim was that using Tylenol during pregnancy or giving it to young children could increase the risk of a child developing autism
2 Who made this claim about Tylenol and autism
This claim has been circulated online and was recently referenced by former President Donald Trump
3 What did the World Health Organization say about this
The World Health Organization has clearly stated that there is no established scientific evidence linking Tylenol to autism They have refuted or denied the claim
4 So is it safe to give my child Tylenol for a fever
Yes when used according to the recommended dosage on the package or as directed by your doctor Tylenol is considered a safe and effective medication for pain and fever in children
5 What is autism simply put
Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates interacts with others and experiences the world It is not caused by a single thing
Intermediate Advanced Questions
6 Why is the WHOs opinion on this so important
The WHO is a leading global health authority that bases its recommendations on a thorough review of all available scientific evidence from around the world Their stance helps guide public health policies and corrects misinformation
7 What does the actual scientific research say
While some individual studies have explored a potential link the overall body of large highquality scientific research has not found a causal connection Major health organizations like the FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics agree that the evidence does not support the claim
8 If its not Tylenol what are the known causes of autism
Research shows that autism is primarily linked to genetic factors and complex interactions between genes and the environment that begin early in brain development There is no single known cause
9 What are the dangers of spreading misinformation like this
Such misinformation can cause unnecessary fear leading parents to avoid using a
