Former President Donald Trump recently made a controversial statement, suggesting a connection between the use of Tylenol during pregnancy and the development of autism in children. He further implied that avoiding specific medications or vaccines could serve as a preventative measure against the condition.

During his remarks, Trump directly addressed Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., asking him to publicly confirm and support his assertions on the matter. This request sought to add a layer of official credibility to the claim.

The World Health Organization (WHO) promptly issued a response to counter these statements. The organization clarified that there is no conclusive scientific evidence establishing a link between acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, and autism.

The WHO explained that autism, a condition affecting an estimated 62 million people globally, is understood by the scientific community to arise from a complex combination of genetic predispositions and environmental influences.

Former President Barack Obama also weighed in on the issue during an event in London. He strongly criticized Trump’s claim, labeling it as an act of “violence against the truth.” Obama expressed concern that such misinformation could cause unnecessary fear and anxiety among pregnant women.

He also provided context for the increasing number of autism diagnoses, explaining that the rise is largely attributed to improved public awareness and more sophisticated diagnostic tools, rather than an actual surge in the prevalence of the condition.

In defense of its product, Johnson & Johnson, the manufacturer of Tylenol, reaffirmed the medication’s safety profile, pointing to decades of scientific research. Medical experts concur, warning that leaving pain or fever untreated during pregnancy can pose significant risks to both the mother and the fetus, and they strongly advise patients to consult their doctors before discontinuing any prescribed medication.