World Health Officials Reject Trump's Claims on Tylenol-Autism Link
September 23, 2025 - Global health officials have rejected President Trump's assertion that pregnant women should avoid taking acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, during pregnancy due to unfounded links to autism. The European Medicines Agency (EMA), Europe's top drug regulator, stated on Tuesday that available evidence has found no link between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism.
At a White House press conference on Monday, President Trump claimed that using acetaminophen during pregnancy could lead to an increased risk of autism in children. However, health officials worldwide have disputed this claim, citing the lack of scientific evidence supporting such a link.
"The available evidence has found no link between the use of paracetamol during pregnancy and autism," said Emer Cooke, Executive Director of the EMA. "Paracetamol remains an important option to treat pain or fever in pregnant women."
The EMA's guidance is consistent with that of other global health organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These agencies have long recommended the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy as a safe and effective way to manage pain and fever.
Background and Context
Acetaminophen is one of the most widely used over-the-counter medications worldwide, with millions of people taking it daily. Pregnant women often take acetaminophen to alleviate headaches, fever, and other symptoms associated with pregnancy. However, concerns have been raised in recent years about potential health risks associated with its use during pregnancy.
Additional Perspectives
Dr. Laura Schaefer, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at the University of California, San Francisco, stated that while there is ongoing research on the topic, "there is no conclusive evidence to support a link between acetaminophen use and autism." She emphasized the importance of continued research in this area.
Current Status and Next Developments
The EMA's statement has been welcomed by health professionals worldwide, who have expressed relief that the agency has reaffirmed its guidance on paracetamol use during pregnancy. The WHO and CDC are expected to issue similar statements in support of the EMA's position.
As research continues to uncover the complexities of autism and its potential causes, experts emphasize the need for evidence-based decision-making when it comes to medication use during pregnancy. "It's essential that we rely on scientific evidence rather than speculation or anecdotal reports," said Dr. Schaefer.
In conclusion, global health officials have rejected President Trump's claims linking Tylenol to autism, citing a lack of scientific evidence supporting such a link. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: pregnant women should continue to follow established guidelines for paracetamol use during pregnancy, and healthcare professionals must rely on evidence-based decision-making when it comes to medication recommendations.
*Reporting by Npr.*
