Donald Trump has once again stirred controversy with his remarks on health, this time claiming that taking Tylenol, also known as paracetamol, during pregnancy could increase the risk of autism in children. The statement quickly triggered headlines and concern, but the World Health Organization has now stepped in to set the record straight. According to Al Jazeera, WHO said there is no consistent evidence to support any link between the common painkiller and autism.
The claim gained attention because acetaminophen is one of the most widely used medications for pain and fever during pregnancy. Some past studies have raised questions about whether frequent use might be linked to neurodevelopmental issues, but health experts point out that these were observational studies, not proof of cause and effect. Variables such as infections, maternal health, and fever itself could all play a role. That hasn’t stopped speculation, and Trump’s comments gave new life to an already controversial discussion.
WHO’s response was blunt: the science does not back the claim. The organization emphasized that paracetamol remains one of the safest options for pregnant women when used at recommended doses. This matters because untreated fever or severe pain during pregnancy can carry real risks for both mother and child. By contrast, discouraging women from taking medication based on unverified claims could cause more harm than good.
Medical experts in the United States echoed that message. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, along with several pediatric associations, urged expectant mothers not to panic and to continue following their doctors’ guidance. They warned that amplifying uncertain science for political points risks undermining trust in healthcare advice at a time when misinformation is already a huge problem.
The controversy also drew comparisons to Trump’s earlier skepticism about vaccines, another area where his comments have clashed with scientific consensus. Linking the Tylenol issue to autism has been criticized as recycling a discredited narrative, one that public health leaders say diverts attention from real challenges families face.
For now, the consensus is clear: there is no confirmed connection between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism. Pregnant women should make decisions in consultation with their doctors, not on the basis of viral soundbites. The WHO’s message is simple – don’t let sensational claims override established medical advice.
