Does circumcision increase autism risk? RFK Jr. blames Tylenol in explosive claim at Trump’s cabinet meeting
RFK Jr. halts $500M in mRNA funding. Credit: Kevin Dietsch / Getty Images
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reignited controversy over the safety of Tylenol (acetaminophen), claiming new evidence suggests that boys who are circumcised early in life may face twice the risk of developing autism — and that the common painkiller may be a key factor.
Speaking during President Donald Trump’s Cabinet meeting on October 9, Kennedy alleged that “two studies show children who are circumcised early have double the rate of autism,” attributing this to Tylenol exposure after the procedure. His statement adds a new layer to the ongoing debate surrounding acetaminophen’s safety, particularly for pregnant women and infants.
Kennedy’s claims follow a September 22 joint statement by Trump and Kennedy, in which they urged pregnant women to avoid Tylenol, asserting that its active ingredient could heighten the risk of autism in their children. The pronouncement drew immediate backlash from medical experts and health organizations, who stressed that the link between acetaminophen and autism remains unproven.
Scientific Community Pushes Back
Tylenol’s manufacturer, Kenvue, responded quickly, stating it continues to review scientific evidence but has found “no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and fetal developmental issues.” Major professional bodies, including the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), have also stood by existing medical guidelines, calling acetaminophen a safe option for pain relief during pregnancy when used as directed.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) currently advises pregnant women to avoid ibuprofen after 20 weeks of pregnancy, leaving acetaminophen as one of the few widely recommended alternatives.
Nonetheless, during the Cabinet meeting, which was primarily focused on Middle East peace negotiations and the ongoing government shutdown, Trump revisited the Tylenol issue, reiterating his stance in stark terms.
“I would say don’t take Tylenol if you’re pregnant,” Trump declared. “And when the baby is born, don’t give it Tylenol.”
A Clash Between Politics and Public Health
Critics argue that Trump and Kennedy’s remarks blur the line between scientific inquiry and political rhetoric. Autism advocacy organizations and medical researchers have condemned the statements as “reckless and misleading,” warning that such claims could fuel misinformation and cause unnecessary fear among expectant mothers.
Former President Barack Obama weighed in shortly after the announcement, calling the administration’s comments “violence against truth” and urging Americans to trust evidence-based medicine rather than politically charged narratives.
Correlation vs. Causation
Even Kennedy acknowledged during the meeting that no definitive proof links acetaminophen to autism. However, he insisted that the correlations are strong enough to merit caution.
“It’s not dispositive that it causes autism,” he said. “It’s so suggestive that anybody who takes the stuff during pregnancy is irresponsible.”
Medical experts, however, emphasize that correlation does not equal causation. Dr. Rachel Levine of the Department of Health and Human Services noted that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is influenced by genetic and environmental factors, and that no single medication or exposure has been shown to directly cause it.
Limited Pain Relief Options for Expectant Mothers
The controversy also underscores a deeper issue: limited pain relief options for pregnant women. With ibuprofen off the table after mid-pregnancy and now acetaminophen under scrutiny, some women feel left without safe options.
“You have to tough it out,” Trump said, adding, “It’s easy for me to say.”
Yet experts insist that such advice oversimplifies a complex medical decision. For many, acetaminophen remains a vital medication for managing fever and pain — both of which, if left untreated, can pose serious risks to pregnancy.
As the debate rages on, the medical community continues to call for balanced, evidence-based discussions rather than politically driven fear campaigns.
FAQ
Q1: What did RFK Jr. say about Tylenol and autism?
He claimed that studies suggest boys circumcised early and given Tylenol have double the autism risk, though no scientific proof supports this.
Q2: What is Trump’s position on Tylenol use during pregnancy?
Trump urged pregnant women and parents to avoid Tylenol altogether, citing supposed autism risks.
Q3: What does science say about the alleged Tylenol-autism link?
Most studies show no causal link between acetaminophen and autism. Experts emphasize that the data are correlational, not causal.
Q4: What alternatives exist for pain relief during pregnancy?
Doctors still recommend acetaminophen in moderation, as ibuprofen and similar drugs are discouraged after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Q5: Why is this issue controversial?
It intertwines politics, misinformation, and parental fear, leading to confusion despite decades of research affirming Tylenol’s safety when used properly.
