The World Health Organisation has said there is no scientific proof that taking paracetamol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy causes autism in children.
In an update published on its website on Wednesday, the global health body said many studies have looked into this claim but found no clear or consistent link.
“Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association has been established,” WHO stated.
It advised pregnant women to always speak with their doctors before taking any medicine, especially during the first three months of pregnancy.
“WHO recommends that all women continue to follow the advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines. Any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals,” it said.
The organisation also addressed false claims about vaccines and autism.
“A robust, extensive evidence base exists showing childhood vaccines do not cause autism. Large, high-quality studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion. Original studies suggesting a link were flawed and have been discredited,” WHO said.
It explained that vaccine schedules are designed after careful scientific review to protect children, adolescents, and adults against 30 infectious diseases.
“The schedule remains essential for the health and well-being of every child and every community. When immunisation schedules are delayed or disrupted, there is a sharp increase in the risk of infection not only for the child but also for the wider community,” WHO warned.
WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic noted that some earlier observational studies hinted at a link between taking paracetamol during pregnancy and autism, but these studies were limited. “Observational studies, which are based purely on observations and do not include control or treatment groups, had suggested a possible association between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen or paracetamol and autism,” he said.
The clarification comes after United States President Donald Trump urged pregnant women to avoid Tylenol, the brand name for acetaminophen, and called for changes to routine childhood vaccines despite no scientific evidence backing his claims.
Medical experts continue to list paracetamol as one of the safest painkillers for pregnant women when used as directed by a health professional.
WHO said autism remains a complex condition with no single known cause and stressed the need for more support for autistic people and their families.
“As a global community, we need to do more to understand the causes of autism and how best to care for and support the needs of autistic people and their families. WHO stands with people living with autism and their families, a dignified community entitled to evidence-based considerations free of stigma,” the organisation stated.
