It goes against recent pronouncements by former President Donald Trump and high-ranking health officials suggesting an association between acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, and increasing rates of autism. This was released originally on Wednesday. It follows a week filled with growing autism awareness, which affects an estimated 62 million people worldwide.
In announcing World Autism Awareness Day, the WHO pointed out that autism affects an average of one in every 127 people. And third, they stressed the need for their landmark research over the last decade. Yet large-scale studies have been unable to connect acetaminophen use to autism. Faced with fears from Trump & RFK, Jr., this is how WHO responds. They fear that acetaminophen is lurking behind increasing rates of autism.
“Extensive research, including large-scale studies over the past decade, has found no consistent association,” – WHO
The broader claims raised by Trump and Kennedy have begun to jumpstart considerable discourse inside and outside the medical community. Shockingly, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) even condemned the allegations. They stressed that taking the huge leap to say acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism is dangerous and irresponsible.
“Suggestions that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism are not only highly concerning to clinicians but also irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients.” – American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
As Trump reminded everyone, we should all be very careful. He called on all pregnant women to talk to their doctors about the risks of using Tylenol during pregnancy. His comments represent a long-simmering panic about the use of medication by pregnant women.
“Taking Tylenol is not good … all pregnant women should talk to their doctors about limiting the use of this medication while pregnant,” – Donald Trump
The WHO once again confirmed the importance of sharing accurate information about using medications while pregnant. Women are encouraged to continue doing what their doctors recommend. These professionals are able to evaluate each person’s unique circumstances and recommend the most appropriate medications.
“[The] 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.” – WHO
The WHO is addressing the problem of medicine, and beyond. Each dollar spent on their global immunization programs has resulted in at least 154 million more lives saved over the last half century! Their goal, they said, was to preserve public trust in medical advice. Culturally competent healthcare practices are vital to the health and wellbeing of each child, and each community.
“Large, high-quality studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion,” – WHO