WHO Reaffirms That Paracetamol Use During Pregnancy Does Not Lead To Autism

On Wednesday, the World Health Organization (WHO) made it clear that there isn’t any solid scientific proof linking acetaminophen (paracetamol) use during pregnancy to autism.

According to the World Health Organization’s website, autism spectrum disorder, a broad category of disorders pertaining to brain development, affects approximately 62 million individuals worldwide (1 in 127).

“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 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.

“Also, 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 noted.

“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.

“Every vaccine recommendation by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation, an independent advisory group to WHO, is grounded in rigorous review of evidence and carefully designed to offer the best protection against serious diseases and to be delivered when most needed.

“When immunisation schedules are delayed or disrupted, or altered without evidence review, there is a sharp increase in the risk of infection not only for the child, but also for the wider community. Infants too young to be vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are at greatest risk,” it emphasised.

“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. WHO also stands with people who are living with autism and their families, a dignified community entitled to evidence-based considerations free of stigma,” it added

WHO spokesman Tarik Jasarevic acknowledged that some 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.”

In addition to calling for significant changes to the regular immunizations given to infants, President Donald Trump advised that pregnant women “tough it out” and refrain from taking Tylenol because of an unsubstantiated link to autism.

Acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, the main component of Tylenol, has long been listed by medical organizations as one of the safest pain relievers to consume while pregnant.

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