The World Health Organisation (WHO) has dismissed reports suggesting that taking acetaminophen (paracetamol) during pregnancy could increase the risk of autism in children, saying there is no scientific consensus to back such claims.
In a statement published on its website on Wednesday, WHO noted that although several large-scale studies have examined the issue in the past decade, the results have not shown any consistent link.
“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,” the organisation said.
WHO urged expectant mothers to take medicines strictly on the advice of health professionals and exercise extra caution during the first trimester of pregnancy.
The health body also used the opportunity to restate that vaccines are safe and do not cause autism. It explained that multiple high-quality studies across different countries have confirmed the safety of childhood vaccines, including those containing thiomersal or aluminium.
Earlier claims linking vaccines to autism, it stressed, have been thoroughly debunked.
