WHO Refutes Trump’s Claims on Autism and Paracetamol Use During Pregnancy

Geneva/New Delhi, September 23, 2025 The World Health Organization (WHO) has strongly dismissed recent claims by U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that autism may be linked to vaccines and the use of paracetamol (Tylenol) by pregnant women. The global health body clarified that scientific research does not support such connections and urged that these matters “should not be questioned” without credible evidence. Trump’s Controversial Remarks On Monday, September 22, President Trump alleged that women should restrict the use of acetaminophen, widely known as Tylenol in the United States and paracetamol elsewhere, during pregnancy. He claimed it may be tied to the increasing number of autism diagnoses in the country. Trump also reiterated unproven fears about vaccines contributing to autism rates, without presenting new evidence. WHO Responds Firmly In a press briefing held in Geneva, WHO spokesperson Tarik Jašarević responded to the remarks, stating: “The evidence remains inconsistent.” He emphasized that no scientific consensus exists linking paracetamol use in pregnancy to autism. Jašarević further reinforced the importance of vaccines, declaring: “We know that vaccines do not cause autism. Vaccines save countless lives. Science has proven this.” European Regulators Align with WHO Earlier in the day, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) echoed WHO’s stance, confirming there is no fresh evidence warranting changes to existing recommendations for paracetamol during pregnancy. This statement further weakens the credibility of Trump’s claims and underscores the stability of global health guidelines on the drug’s use. Health Secretary Kennedy Weighs In Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., standing alongside Trump, announced plans for an “all-agency” initiative to explore autism’s possible causes. He said the National Institutes of Health, FDA, CDC, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services would be involved under Trump’s direction. Kennedy suggested that the investigation would expand the scope of autism research but offered no new findings to support Trump’s statements. Trump’s “Big Reveal” Falls Short Trump had earlier promoted his comments as a significant revelation on autism, saying, “I think we found an answer.” However, experts and public health authorities swiftly criticized the claim as baseless. Critics noted that Trump’s remarks closely align with long-debunked theories popularized by vaccine skeptics. Scientific Consensus Remains Clear The medical community has consistently found no evidence linking vaccines to autism. Numerous studies over decades have confirmed their safety and effectiveness. Similarly, while limited research has explored potential effects of paracetamol use during pregnancy, findings remain inconclusive, and no definitive link to autism has been established. Global Health Community Urges Caution WHO concluded its response by stressing the importance of relying on established science rather than speculation. Health experts have warned that misinformation could lead to dangerous consequences, such as vaccine hesitancy or unnecessary fear regarding common medications. As the debate continues, one message from the global health community remains firm: vaccines save lives, and claims without scientific proof risk undermining public trust in essential health measures. WHO Rejects Trump’s Autism-Paracetamol Claim The World Health Organization has dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks linking autism to vaccines and paracetamol use during pregnancy. Speaking in Geneva, WHO stated that the evidence for such claims remains inconsistent and stressed that vaccines do not cause autism, highlighting their role in saving millions of lives. Trump’s comments, made without new proof, sparked global concern and criticism. The European Medicines Agency also reaffirmed that no fresh evidence requires changes in paracetamol guidelines. Health experts warn that spreading such unverified claims risks fueling misinformation and undermining public trust in proven medical practices.