WHO statement on autism-related issues
Extract below. Full text here: https://www.who.int/news/item/24-09-2025-who-statement-on-autism-related...
24 September 2025
The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy.
Globally, nearly 62 million people (1 in 127) have autism spectrum disorder, a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain. Although awareness and diagnosis have improved in recent years, the exact causes of autism have not been established, and it is understood there are multiple factors that can be involved.
Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association has been established.
WHO recommends that all women continue to follow advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines. Any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals.
Also, a robust, extensive evidence base exists showing childhood vaccines do not cause autism. Large, high-quality studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion. Original studies suggesting a link were flawed and have been discredited. Since 1999, independent experts advising WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines — including those with thiomersal or aluminum — do not cause autism or other developmental disorders...
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COMMENT (NPW)
A pregnant woman might listen to Trump and think "what should I do?". She may blindly trust Trump rather than the science (WHO). However, I expect more and more people will be putting their trust in AI to answer such questions.
They might ask ChatGPT something like "Does paracetamol during pregnancy lead to an increased risk of autism?" and ChatGPT would reply "Health authorities in the UK and Europe (MHRA, EMA, etc.) have reviewed the evidence and conclude that there is no good evidence that paracetamol causes autism when used as directed during pregnancy... In most settings, the consensus remains: when paracetamol is used according to medical guidance (lowest effective dose, for short periods, when needed), the benefits (e.g. reducing high fever, pain) outweigh the potential risks."
(It's interesting that ChatGPT ignores what the Trump Administration says!)
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org