Kennedy Links Circumcision, Tylenol Use to Autism Risk

Washington, D.C. — Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raised eyebrows during a Cabinet meeting Thursday, suggesting a possible connection between infant circumcision, the use of Tylenol, and autism. He claimed that boys who are circumcised early may face a doubled risk of autism due to oral acetaminophen given for pain management after the procedure.

Kennedy’s comments were made shortly after President Donald Trump encouraged pregnant women to limit their use of Tylenol, indirectly aligning with Kennedy’s controversial stance. Trump’s remarks sparked backlash from medical professionals and critics. “Just don’t take it. Don’t take it. If you’re a woman, don’t take it and don’t give it to the baby when the baby’s born,” Trump stated during the meeting.

In September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a recommendation advising pregnant women to use Tylenol sparingly, citing concerns about potential links to autism. However, the FDA has not directly correlated acetaminophen use in infants with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Kennedy supported his claims with references to two studies he claimed indicate a correlation between early circumcision and a heightened risk of autism diagnoses. “There’s two studies that show children who are circumcised early have double the rate of autism. It’s highly likely because they’re given Tylenol,” he said.

One widely discussed study from 2015 examined 343,000 boys and suggested that boys circumcised in infancy may be at a higher risk for autism and hyperactivity disorders. A second study noted a trend where countries with higher circumcision rates reported higher levels of autism but acknowledged that the findings do not confirm causation.

Despite these claims, the scientific community largely questions the validity of linking Tylenol and autism. Medical organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists affirm that acetaminophen is considered safe when used as instructed during pregnancy.

Critics took to social media to voice their concerns regarding Kennedy and Trump’s statements. Erik Polyak, executive director of health advocacy group 314 Action, criticized them, saying, “Their expertise comes from binge-watching Grey’s Anatomy.”

The discussion surrounding autism has been contentious, especially given Kennedy’s known stance against vaccines. As the dialogue continues, many express unease over the medical implications of statements made by Trump and Kennedy on such sensitive topics.