EU, WHO Confirm Paracetamol Pregnancy Safety Amid US Autism Claims

President Donald Trump has publicly linked the use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) during pregnancy and childhood vaccines to an increased risk of autism, urging expectant mothers to avoid the painkiller and recommending spacing out vaccines for children, despite the lack of scientific consensus supporting these claims. The European Union's European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization have countered Trump's warnings, affirming that current evidence does not establish a link between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism and advising caution in drawing conclusions from inconsistent studies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to update Tylenol labeling to include a "possible association" with autism when used during pregnancy and is also moving to approve leucovorin as a potential treatment for speech-related deficits in autism, although research remains inconclusive. Trump's statements, which he acknowledged go beyond the cautious tones of some health officials, have raised alarm among medical experts and autism advocates who emphasize the importance of evidence-based guidance and early intervention. Meanwhile, families like Maryland mother Jennifer Amoako's share personal stories of early autism diagnosis and therapy success, highlighting the value of timely support and education programs for children with autism. The contrasting perspectives underscore the ongoing debate and the need for clear, scientifically validated information on autism causes and treatments.