(US, 25th) The European Union and the United Kingdom confirmed on the 23rd that the use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol or Tylenol) during pregnancy is safe, refuting US President Trump’s statement connecting the main ingredient of the commonly used American painkiller Tylenol to autism. The World Health Organization (WHO) also stated that current evidence on the link between the two remains inconsistent, urging caution before drawing any conclusions.
Trump Urges Pregnant Women to Avoid Use
US President Trump held a press conference about autism on the 22nd, stating that using the painkiller Tylenol during pregnancy increases the risk of children developing autism. He warned pregnant women to avoid using the medication unless medically necessary, such as in cases of high fever.
Tylenol is the brand name of a painkiller in the US, whose main ingredient is acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol. At a press conference on Tuesday, WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević commented on the link between acetaminophen and childhood autism: “While some studies have suggested a possible association, there is no consistent evidence, and multiple subsequent studies have not confirmed any link.”
Jašarević further pointed out: “If the connection between acetaminophen and autism was strong, we would see consistent results across various studies.” He emphasized that a cautious approach is needed when drawing causal conclusions, adding, “We strongly hope all health agencies in each country will honestly face the results revealed by science.”
Health agencies in numerous countries have also refuted President Trump’s statements. The EU’s highest pharmaceutical regulator, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), stated: “Current evidence does not show any link between use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and autism.” The agency reiterated its guidance on Tuesday, stating that acetaminophen should still be used to treat pain and fever in pregnant women when necessary, describing it as an important option for managing pain or fever in pregnancy.
UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting said in a television interview: “Absolutely do not pay attention to Trump’s comments on medical science. I want to be very clear: there is no evidence at all linking the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy to the development of autism in children. Absolutely none.”
Trump Suggests Vaccines Cause Autism
On Monday, Trump also suggested that vaccines and their administration frequency are responsible for increased rates of autism. He said: “It’s disgraceful how much they inject into those beautiful little babies.” WHO spokesperson Jašarević also refuted this claim, emphasizing: “We know that vaccines do not cause autism. Vaccines have saved countless lives. This is a scientific fact that should not even be questioned.”
By linking autism with childhood vaccinations and Tylenol use among pregnant women, Trump has placed scientifically unsubstantiated claims at the forefront of US health policy. Various medical associations have already issued statements opposing these claims.