WHO debunks Trump claim on autism link to paracetamol during pregnancy

Donald Trump’s assertion that there might be a connection between autism and taking paracetamol while pregnant has been refuted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The organization stated in a statement on Wednesday that there was “currently no conclusive scientific evidence” linking the condition to the well-known painkiller.

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Over the past ten years, extensive research has been conducted, including extensive studies looking at the connections between autism and consuming acetaminophen [also known as paracetamol] during pregnancy. No consistent association has been established at this time, it said.

WHO advises all women to continue to consult with their doctors or health professionals, who can assess individual circumstances and prescribe the appropriate medications, the statement continued.

In a press conference on Monday, Trump made a connection between using paracetamol while pregnant and getting vaccine for children.

Don’t take Tylenol, just like I want to say it. Trump, who uses the paracetamol brand name in the US, said, “Don’t take it.”

He said, “Other things that we recommend, or I’ll say the same thing, is… don’t let them pump your baby up with the largest pile of stuff you’ve ever seen in your life,” making reference to vaccines.

Leucovorin, a type of vitamin B9, was suggested as a treatment for autism symptoms by the president’s team.

Health organizations, however, condemned Trump’s unanticipated announcement.

The Coalition of Autism Scientists stated in a statement that “the data presented do not support the theory that leucovorin and Tylenol cause autism and are a cure, and only stoke fear and falsely suggest hope when there is no simple answer.”

However, Trump, who made the announcement while speaking with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a staunch critic of vaccines, demanded that the link between autism and vaccines be revisited, a claim that medical experts have repeatedly refuted.

Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, said in a statement that it “strongly” disagreed with Trump’s announcement.

We think that scientific research that is reliable and conclusive shows that acetaminophen does not cause autism. We firmly disagree with any alternative suggestions, and we are particularly concerned about the health risks that this poses for expecting mothers and parents, Kenvue said.