RFK Jr slammed for 'reckless fearmongering' over HHS report linking Tylenol use in pregnancy to autism

WASHINGTON, DC: Robert F Kennedy Jr and his Department of Health and Human Services are expected to release a report this month suggesting a link between autism and the use of Tylenol during pregnancy, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The development has already drawn widespread criticism online.

The upcoming report will also examine low folate levels as another possible factor and is expected to recommend folinic acid as a treatment for reducing autism symptoms in some individuals.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists maintains Tylenol is safe for use during pregnancy

Tylenol, whose active ingredient is acetaminophen, is one of the most widely used pain relievers, including by pregnant women.

While some studies have raised concerns about its impact on fetal development, others have found no link.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) maintains that Tylenol is safe for use during pregnancy, though it advises consultation with doctors before taking any medication.

Tylenol is made by Kenvue’s McNeil Consumer Healthcare division, and after news of the report surfaced, shares of Kenvue dropped 11%. The company said there is “no causal link” between acetaminophen and autism.

RFK Jr has a history of controversial autism claims

RFK Jr, a longtime vaccine skeptic, has repeatedly pledged to identify the cause of autism.

In April, he claimed that “by September we will know.” Experts have pushed back, saying autism research is far too complex for such promises.

The HHS secretary previously made headlines with a 2005 Rolling Stone article that falsely tied vaccines to autism. That report was later retracted.

Allies of RFK Jr suggest vaccines may still be raised in the upcoming HHS report, though it is not yet confirmed.

The National Institutes of Health is leading the report, with contributions from NIH Director Dr Jay Bhattacharya, FDA Commissioner Dr Marty Makary, and CMS Director Dr Mehmet Oz. The final release is expected later this month alongside new NIH research grants.

The report’s timeline and focus have already sparked skepticism from scientists and medical professionals. Many have warned that the framing risks creating confusion for pregnant women seeking safe medical guidance.

Internet slams RFK Jr over report on Tylenol and autism

The Internet expressed outrage after the news emerged that RFK Jr and the Department of Health and Human Services are expected to release a report this month suggesting a link between autism and the use of Tylenol.  

A person said, “This is insane….RFK Jr. is gonna blame autism on pregnant women taking Tylenol,” while another wrote, “Mother of autistic child, here. Didn’t take Tylenol while pregnant. Have adverse reaction to it, so I was super conscious not to take. Not even remotely possible. RFKjr is a madman and a quack. He will kill your children if you let him.”

“RFK Jr is a nutcase. Now he is trying to scare people into not taking Tylenol. Which will not do anything to help anyone. What would he prefer pregnant women take for pain? Opioids,” another asked.

Others questioned Tylenol’s past, with one asking, “Doesn’t Tylenol have a track record of some mishaps in their history?”

A doctor strongly criticized the report, writing, “You’ve got to be s**tting me. This is a slap in the face to every woman who has ever been pregnant. How dare RFK Jr. target mothers with fear and misinformation? There is no proven link between Tylenol use in pregnancy and autism."

"Tylenol is one of the few safe medications available for pain and discomfort during pregnancy, and now it’s being demonized without evidence. This isn’t public health. It’s reckless fearmongering," they raged. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.