Health
Paracetamol Use in Pregnancy Does Not Cause Autism – WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has dismissed claims suggesting that paracetamol use in pregnancy causes autism, insisting that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence to support the claim.
On its official website, WHO noted that nearly 62 million people worldwide (1 in 127) live with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a group of conditions affecting brain development. While awareness and diagnosis have improved, the exact causes of autism remain unclear, with multiple factors likely involved.
“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 explained.
The organization advised pregnant women to follow medical guidance when using medications, especially in the first trimester.
“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.”
WHO also reinforced that childhood vaccines do not cause autism, noting that earlier studies suggesting such links have been discredited.
“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. Since 1999, independent experts advising WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines including those with thiomersal or aluminium do not cause autism or other developmental disorders,” WHO said.
The body highlighted that global childhood immunisation schedules, carefully developed with expert input, have saved at least 154 million lives in the past 50 years.
“The schedule remains essential for the health and well-being of every child and every community. These schedules have continually evolved with science and now safeguard children, adolescents, and adults against 30 infectious diseases,” WHO added.
The WHO further warned that disrupting vaccine schedules increases infection risks for children and communities, especially infants and people with weak immune systems.
The statement comes ahead of the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health on September 25, where autism and neurodevelopmental disorders are priority topics.
WHO reaffirmed its commitment to advancing autism research and support:
“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 is committed to advancing this goal, working together with partners, including autistic-led organisations and other organisations representing persons with lived experience.”
The clarification follows remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who urged pregnant women to avoid Tylenol over an unproven autism link and pushed for changes in childhood vaccine schedules.
However, WHO and medical experts maintain that paracetamol remains among the safest painkillers during pregnancy when used as prescribed.
WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic acknowledged that while some observational studies hinted at a possible association between prenatal paracetamol use and autism, these lacked control groups and do not provide conclusive evidence.
