By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/who-urges-caution-on-autism-and-acetaminophen-claims-saying-several-studies-found-no-such-relationship Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WHO urges caution on autism and acetaminophen claims, saying several studies ‘found no such relationship’ Health Sep 23, 2025 11:09 AM EDT The World Health Organization called for caution before making links between acetaminophen use by pregnant women and autism. WATCH: Health experts respond to Trump’s claims linking autism to acetaminophen WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic noted “some observational studies” that have suggested a possible association between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen, or paracetamol, and autism, “but evidence remains inconsistent.” Several studies conducted afterward have “found no such relationship,” he said. READ MORE: Research doesn’t show using Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism. Here are 5 things to know “If the link between acetaminophen and autism were strong, it would likely have been consistently observed across multiple studies,” Jasarevic told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday. “This lack of replicability really calls for caution in drawing casual conclusions about the role of acetaminophen in autism,” he added. Jasarevic noted that WHO advises that medicines in pregnancy should always be used with caution, especially in the first three months, and in consultation with a patient’s doctor. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
The World Health Organization called for caution before making links between acetaminophen use by pregnant women and autism. WATCH: Health experts respond to Trump’s claims linking autism to acetaminophen WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic noted “some observational studies” that have suggested a possible association between prenatal exposure to acetaminophen, or paracetamol, and autism, “but evidence remains inconsistent.” Several studies conducted afterward have “found no such relationship,” he said. READ MORE: Research doesn’t show using Tylenol during pregnancy causes autism. Here are 5 things to know “If the link between acetaminophen and autism were strong, it would likely have been consistently observed across multiple studies,” Jasarevic told reporters in Geneva on Tuesday. “This lack of replicability really calls for caution in drawing casual conclusions about the role of acetaminophen in autism,” he added. Jasarevic noted that WHO advises that medicines in pregnancy should always be used with caution, especially in the first three months, and in consultation with a patient’s doctor. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now