RFK Jr’s Unfounded Claim About Link Between Tylenol and Autism Sparks Outrage
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is releasing a report this month that will outline claims that there is a link between pregnant women who take Tylenol during pregnancy and autism. The report has enraged several communities, including medical experts and the Autism Foundation, who have been battling with RFK Jr. on several recent unsupported claims about autism.
RFK Jr’s Promise
Kennedy has promised to “get to the bottom” of the cause of autism since he was elected Secretary of Health and Human Services by the Trump administration on February 13, 2025. He has come under fire on several occasions for making unfounded claims without any scientific proof.
Anti-Vaccination Claims from RFK Jr.
In particular, Kennedy has made many claims about vaccinations’ connection to autism that are not based on any scientific proof. He has referred to a fraudulent study from 1998 that has since been retracted due to its limited, unrepresentative sample size.
A History of Dismissing Evidence
Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, Kennedy continues to make unfounded claims about connections between vaccinations and autism. He has used flawed research and dismissed evidence from well-respected experts in the field. Many fact-checking programs have continuously debunked Kennedy’s claims to prevent the spread of misinformation.
The Contents of The Report
The Wall Street Journal asserts that the report will likely contain claims about Tylenol taken during pregnancy and low levels of folate could be causes of autism. It will also likely claim that a medicine called folinic acid, derived from folate, will actually help treat symptoms of autism.
Fact Checking
There has been no scientific evidence that Tylenol is harmful to pregnant women. In fact, the popular over-the-counter medication is safe to use according to medical guidelines. Experts are concerned with Kennedy’s refusal to acknowledge or accept scientific evidence that goes against his claims.
Statement From Autism Science Foundation
The Autism Science Foundation quickly issued a response to the incoming report. The foundation stated, “It is disingenuous and misleading to boil autism’s causes down to one simple thing. We know that autism is incredibly complicated, and we need to move away from studies that simplify it down to one exposure without any other considerations”.
Studies on Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen is the main ingredient in Tylenol. Many studies have been published examining the relationship between the use of this paint relief medicine during pregnancy and children developing autism. The consensus in the medical community, based on these findings, is that there is no causation of autism from this medication. That being said, as with any medication during pregnancy, it should be taken with caution and under the advice of a trusted medical professional.
Folate Levels During Pregnancy
Findings on low folate levels are also rather inconclusive. There is no definitive link, and claims otherwise are based on early randomized studies. In other words, much more research is needed to make an assertion on the cause of autism.
Rejected Claims
RFK Jr.’s flagrant claims about autism are rejected by the Autism Science Foundation and other medical experts. The report is slated to come out later this month and will reveal more about the cause of autism.
