Trump Links Tylenol to Autism; WHO Disputes Claims

US President Donald Trump has drawn attention to the use of Tylenol during pregnancy, suggesting a link to autism despite the absence of conclusive scientific evidence.

“The Trump Administration does not believe popping more pills is always the answer for better health. There is mounting evidence finding a connection between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism,” says Karoline Leavitt, US Press Secretary. 

Health experts, however, stress that scientific findings do not support these claims. “WHO emphasizes that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between #autism and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy,” writes Tedros Adhanom, General Director, WHO, on LinkedIn.

WHO advises that women continue to follow guidance from their doctors, noting that medicines should always be used with caution, particularly in the first trimester.

Globally, nearly 62 million people, about one in 127, are estimated to have autism spectrum disorder, a group of developmental conditions that affect the brain, reports WHO. In Mexico, it is estimated that one in 115 children is affected by this condition. Despite years of extensive research, including large-scale studies into potential associations with acetaminophen, no consistent causal link has been identified. Scientists broadly agree that multiple factors likely contribute to autism, and its precise causes remain unclear.

While Trump’s comments have pushed the debate into the political arena, medical authorities emphasize that treatment decisions should remain grounded in clinical evidence and made in consultation with healthcare professionals.

Public scrutiny of Tylenol intensified earlier this month after The Wall Street Journal reported that the Trump administration was preparing to release a report on the matter. Shares of the company producing Tylenol have since fallen 17%, including a 7% drop on Monday.