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WHO and Ministry of Health Debunk Rumors: There Is No Scientific Evidence Linking The Use of Acetaminophen During Pregnancy to Autism.
The Ministry of Health confirmed this Tuesday (09/23/2025) that acetaminophen is safe, effective, and has no relation to cases of autism.
The official statement was issued after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed without evidence that the use of the medication during pregnancy could cause the disorder.
The note was released in Brasília and was supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and regulatory agencies from the European Union and the United Kingdom.
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According to the ministry, the dissemination of false information about medications can pose serious risks to public health, especially for pregnant women who rely on acetaminophen for pain and fever treatment.
The agency emphasized that the circulation of misleading news can lead mothers to avoid necessary treatments, endangering both their health and that of their babies.
Ministry of Health Warns About Risks of Misinformation
In the official note, the Ministry of Health highlighted that “health cannot be the target of irresponsible acts.”
The ministry recalled the devastating effects of misinformation during the Covid-19 pandemic, which contributed to the loss of over 700,000 lives in Brazil.
The publication also emphasized that statements like those made by Trump not only spread panic among pregnant women but also reinforce prejudices against people living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and their families.
What Experts Say About Acetaminophen in Pregnancy
Acetaminophen is one of the most widely used medications worldwide for pain and fever control.
It is classified as safe by the WHO when used according to medical recommendations, including during pregnancy.
According to the Ministry of Health, autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive behavior patterns, communication difficulties, and social interaction challenges.
Therefore, there is no scientific evidence linking the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy to the development of ASD.
WHO and International Agencies Reinforce Positioning
The World Health Organization and health authorities from Europe and the United Kingdom also debunked Trump’s claims.
The institutions highlighted that there is no scientific basis for linking the use of acetaminophen to autism.
According to experts, the greatest danger lies in the social impact of these statements. By raising unfounded suspicions, political leaders ultimately lower public confidence in essential treatments and medications.
Misinformation and Its Impacts in Brazil
The Ministry of Health reinforced that it continues to work to reverse the damages caused by denialism and the spread of fake news in the country.
One of the main effects has been the decline in public confidence regarding vaccines, a concerning scenario in a country that was once a global reference in immunization.
In this context, the government seeks to restore the credibility of public health policies and reaffirm the importance of following only information validated by experts and scientific institutions.
