WHO UN agency pushes back against paracetamol claims

The World Health Organization (WHO) yesterday pushed back against contested claims by the Trump administration that acetaminophen use during pregnancy heightens the risk of autism, further underscoring that no scientific consensus supports such a connection.

- Marina Dunbar Robert Tait Washington

"Extensive research, including large-scale studies over the past decade, has found no consistent association," the UN agency said.

"WHO recommends that all women continue to follow advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines."

The concern escalated this week when Trump, alongside his health secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr, issued a warning about acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, known internationally as paracetamol, alleging that it contributes to rising autism rates. The announcement also included plans for a new study examining potential links between childhood vaccines and autism.