U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed Thursday that circumcision may be “highly likely” linked to autism because infants are often given Tylenol after the procedure.
The comments came during a Cabinet meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
“There are two studies that show children who are circumcised early have double the rate of autism. It’s highly likely because they’re given Tylenol,” Kennedy told Trump.
Highlights
- RFK Jr. claimed circumcision may be linked to autism due to Tylenol given post-procedure, citing two unspecified studies.
- Medical experts and major studies find no evidence that acetaminophen (Tylenol) causes autism, contradicting RFK Jr. and Trump.
- Trump urged pregnant women to avoid Tylenol, calling it unsafe despite medical organizations endorsing its use during pregnancy.
RFK Jr. claimed circumcision is likely linked to autism, because infants are given Tylenol after the procedure
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Kennedy did not specify the studies he was referencing.
A 2015 Danish study on 343,000 boys found that circumcised males were more likely to be diagnosed with autism before age 10 than their non-circumcised peers.
However, other researchers had pointed out flaws in the study, noting that stressful surgery early in life can cause neurodevelopmental or behavioral problems.
They critiqued that the study should have examined other painful conditions, such as UTI.
Another explanation provided for the findings is that since the children interact with healthcare workers earlier in life, there could be a higher detection rate.
A second, smaller study from Ireland in 2024 found that circumcised boys with autism showed improvements in irritability, sensory issues, and repetitive behavior. It also reported fewer urinary symptoms, such as pain or urgency.
Neither study established that Tylenol, known as acetaminophen in the U.S., causes autism.
Back in September, Trump stirred outrage by suggesting that pregnant women should not take Tylenol, as it increases the risk for their children developing autism.
A circumcision specialist said the surgery is quick, and children are not prescribed Tylenol afterward
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“Don’t take Tylenol,” Trump said on September 22. “Fight like hell not to take it.”
Just two weeks ago, Trump repeated this sentiment when he declared Tylenol “not good” for pregnant women unless they have a high fever.
Trump also pushed the Food and Drug Administration to update warning labels.
“Just don’t take it. You have to tough it through sometimes. I’m addressing it as best I can as a non-doctor, but I’m a man of common sense,” he said.
Acetaminophen has been used for more than 70 years to relieve pain and reduce fever. It remains one of the few pain relievers recommended for use during pregnancy.
Major medical organizations, including the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, continue to recommend Tylenol.
Tylenol’s manufacturer, Kenvue, rejected the claims.
“We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned with the health risk this poses for expectant mothers,” a spokesperson told People.
Trump also suggested pregnant women not take Tylenol and ‘tough it through’
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Rabbi Nechemia Markovits, a fifth-generation mohel and circumcision specialist in Brooklyn, said he never needed to recommend Tylenol after performing circumcisions on newborns.
“The procedure is quick and well-tolerated,” he told The New York Post.
During Thursday’s meeting, Kennedy also referred to a TikTok video of a pregnant woman “gobbling Tylenol with her baby in her placenta,” saying she was “putting her baby at risk.”
He also claimed countries with higher acetaminophen use have higher autism rates.
“It is not proof. We’re doing the studies to make the proof,” RFK Jr. said, calling this a “national security issue.”
Medical experts strongly rejected the claims. Steven J. Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said no reputable research shows that acetaminophen causes autism, calling the claim concerning and irresponsible.
He pointed to a major 2024 study published in JAMA that followed more than 2.4 million children and found no significant association between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability. Other large reviews have also found no causal link.
Studies have found no association between acetaminophen use and autism
“Today’s announcement by HHS is not backed by the full body of scientific evidence and dangerously simplifies the many and complex causes of neurologic challenges in children,” Fleischman said.
Autism diagnosis rates in the U.S. have risen 400% since 2000, with one in 31 children affected. Scientists say genetic factors play a major role, though research continues on potential environmental influences.
Trump and Kennedy’s remarks have fueled public debate and sent Kenvue’s stock tumbling. In September, Kenvue’s shares fell 7.5% after reports revealed that Trump planned to link Tylenol to autism, wiping out an estimated $2.6 billion in market value.
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Health experts caution against discouraging the use of Tylenol without evidence.
“Paracetamol [acetaminophen] has been used safely by millions of people for decades, including during pregnancy, when taken as directed,” said Prof. Claire Anderson, president of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.
“Anyone with concerns about their medicines should speak to a pharmacist or other trusted healthcare professional to ensure they are getting sound advice from a trusted source.”
Kennedy’s remarks come as tensions grow inside the Health and Human Services Department.
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Several senior officials have either resigned or been removed since he took office.
Earlier this month, Kennedy fired Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo, the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, three weeks after she filed a whistleblower complaint alleging political interference in vaccine research.
Dr. Kathleen Neuzil, director of the NIH’s Fogarty International Center, also left after being placed on administrative leave for objecting to what she described as “dangerous and unscientific views” within the agency.
Multiple CDC officials have also resigned following the dismissal of CDC Director Susan Monarez in August. They cited issues with the organization’s “unscientific” policies and promotion of health “misinformation,” including overstating the risks of vaccines.