Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday rejected claims by US President Donald Trump suggesting a link between autism and the use of paracetamol during pregnancy.

At a White House event on Monday, Trump urged expectant mothers to “tough it out” rather than take acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, saying only an “extremely high fever” could justify its use.

In a statement, the WHO said, “There is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and use of acetaminophen during pregnancy.” According to WHO data, nearly 62 million people worldwide, roughly one in 127, have autism spectrum disorder, a group of conditions affecting brain development. While awareness and diagnosis have improved in recent years, the precise causes remain unclear, with multiple factors involved.

The agency added that extensive research over the past decade, including large-scale studies, has found no consistent association between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. Acetaminophen is the most commonly used over-the-counter medicine among pregnant women globally, taken for headaches, pain, or fever, and is widely considered safe when used according to medical guidance.

The WHO recommended that pregnant women continue to follow the advice of doctors or health workers, noting that “any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals.”

The agency also highlighted the importance of vaccines, saying immunisation schedules for children “are developed through a careful, extensive, and evidence-based process.” Vaccinations have saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years, protecting children, adolescents, and adults against 30 infectious diseases. The WHO warned that delays or disruptions in immunisation could sharply increase the risk of infection for both children and the wider community.

IANS