On Tuesday, officials from the European Union and the World Health Organization (WHO) criticized President Trump’s claims that acetaminophen use is linked to autism.
“There is no evidence to support any association between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism,” the European Drug Administration (EMA) stated.
Eva Hrncirova, a spokesperson for the European Commission, confirmed that the EMA found “very strict control over all products entering the European market has shown no correlation between paracetamol use during pregnancy and autism.”
The EMA emphasized that paracetamol, commonly found in Tylenol, can be used during pregnancy when necessary.
Spokesman Tarik Jasharevich cautioned against drawing “casual conclusions” linking Tylenol to autism, noting that existing evidence remains “contradictory.”
World leaders are continuing to reject Trump’s statement from Monday, which claimed Tylenol posed risks for pregnant women.
During his comments in the Oval Office, he struggled with the pronunciation of acetaminophen, drawing some online laughter.
“This is a simple one, [Food and Drug Administration] Trump is saying aceta, um, let’s pronounce it. Acetum – Enofin. Acetaminophen. Right? This is generally known as Tylenol,” he said.
“We’ll fight like hell to not take that,” he later added during a press conference.
Global health leaders and some legislators have voiced their strong opposition to the Trump administration’s perspective on the drug.
“The claim that acetaminophen use in pregnancy leads to autism is not only alarming for clinicians but also irresponsible, as it sends harmful and confusing messages to pregnant patients who may need this medication,” said Stephen J. Freshman, president of a U.S. university and in obstetrics and gynecology.
He cautioned that neglecting fever and pain during pregnancy could lead to complications.
“The announcement made today by the Department of Health and Human Services lacks support from the entirety of scientific evidence and oversimplifies the complex causes of neurological issues in children,” Freshman added.
The German Ministry of Health has also reiterated similar concerns.
“In certain situations, medications are essential to avoid jeopardizing the well-being of both mother and fetus, particularly in cases of severe fever,” a spokesperson mentioned.
