Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) today emphasised that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy.
Acetaminophen, a widely used medication for pain and fever, is often recommended for pregnant women. However, large-scale cohort studies involving tens of thousands of mother-child pairs have explored this link and found inconsistent results due to factors like dosage, timing, and maternal health conditions. This uncertainty underscores WHO’s recommendation for cautious, doctor-guided use, particularly in the first trimester when fetal development is most sensitive.
With nearly 62 million people (1 in 127) worldwide living with autism spectrum disorder, a diverse group of conditions related to brain development, the need to address misconceptions about its causes is critical. While awareness and diagnosis have improved in recent years, the exact causes of autism remain unclear, with multiple factors likely involved. This global prevalence highlights the importance of focusing on evidence-based support and reducing stigma to better serve autistic individuals and their families.
Despite extensive research over the past decade, including large-scale studies, no consistent association has been established between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. WHO advises women to follow the guidance of their doctors or health workers, who can assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines. Any medication, including acetaminophen, should be used cautiously during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and always in line with professional medical advice.
Similarly, robust evidence base confirms that childhood vaccines do not cause autism. Large, high-quality studies from countries like Denmark and the United States, involving millions of children, have consistently reached this conclusion. Early studies suggesting a link, such as the discredited 1998 Wakefield study on the Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine, were flawed and retracted. Since 1999, WHO’s independent experts have repeatedly affirmed that vaccines, including those containing thiomersal or aluminium, do not cause autism or other developmental disorders. Misinformation-driven vaccine hesitancy has led to serious consequences, such as a 30% global spike in measles cases from 2016-2019, emphasising the need for trust in scientific evidence.
This trust is vital for maintaining the success of childhood immunisation schedules, developed through a rigorous, evidence-based process involving global experts and country input. Adopted by all countries, these WHO-guided schedules have saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years and now protect against 30 infectious diseases, from polio to Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation (SAGE) ensures every vaccine recommendation is grounded in a thorough evidence review, designed to provide optimal protection when it is most needed.
Disruptions or delays in these immunisation schedules, especially without evidence, significantly increase infection risks for children and their communities. Infants too young to be vaccinated and individuals with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable. Adherence to these schedules remains essential for safeguarding public health and preventing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
The urgency of evidence-based health policies extends to autism, which is a priority at the 4th United Nations (UN) High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases and mental health this Thursday, 25 September. This meeting reflects a global commitment to integrating autism into broader health frameworks, potentially improving funding and diagnostic access, particularly in low-resource settings. Greater understanding of autism’s causes and enhanced support for autistic individuals and their families are critical goals, supported by collaboration with autistic-led organisations advocating for practical measures like workplace accommodations.
WHO remains dedicated to advancing these efforts, partnering with autistic-led organisations and others representing lived experiences to promote inclusion. By standing with autistic individuals and their families, WHO champions a dignified community entitled to evidence-based care free of stigma. Through reinforcing trust in science, adherence to medical guidance, and inclusive policies, the WHO aims to empower autistic individuals while protecting global health.
– global bihari bureau
