Robert F. Kennedy Jr has once again become the center of a health-related controversy. This time, he has introduced the topics of circumcision and the painkiller Tylenol into the U.S. debate over autism. During a televised cabinet meeting, the Health and Human Services Secretary, known for his controversial medical statements, made an unexpected claim.
This adds to a series of contentious remarks from Kennedy and President Donald Trump’s administration, which has frequently suggested that common medications might be linked to an alleged increase in autism cases.
Initially, the meeting seemed to proceed as a standard policy discussion. However, midway through, Kennedy made a startling statement: “There’s two studies which show children who are circumcised early have double the rate of autism. It’s highly likely because they were given Tylenol.”
The country’s top health official insinuated that infants given paracetamol (Tylenol) for pain relief after circumcision might have a higher likelihood of developing autism. This assertion is expected to face skepticism from scientists, doctors, and the public.
Although Kennedy did not specify the studies he referenced, he might have been alluding to a 2015 Danish study involving 340,000 boys. That study found a slight statistical link between early circumcision and later autism diagnoses, suggesting pain and trauma as possible factors, rather than acetaminophen. The researchers emphasized that their findings did not establish causation.
Experts quickly responded to Kennedy’s remarks. Dr. Krutika Kuppalli, a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, criticized Kennedy’s statement in a social media post, referencing a video of his comments: “I’m out of words for how reckless and dangerous this is.
“Tylenol does not cause autism. Circumcision does not increase autism risk. There is zero scientific evidence for either claim….Trump and RFK are not doctors. They don’t know what they’re talking about. The harm caused by this misinformation is immeasurable — and those enabling it should be ashamed.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics maintains that the health benefits of circumcision outweigh the associated risks. Hospitals still recommend Tylenol under medical guidance for infants following the procedure. Dr. Jeff Singer, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, commented to the Mail: “What I am asking is that they leave the question to the scientists, to the clinical researchers, and stay out of it.”
Trump had previously cautioned pregnant women against taking Tylenol, reiterating long-dismissed claims that common medications or vaccines might cause autism. Together, the president and his health secretary are now urging Americans to reconsider one of the most commonly used pain relievers.
Critics have labeled Kennedy’s statements as reckless and potentially harmful, warning that spreading misinformation about safe medications might lead people to ignore medical advice. Currently, there is no credible evidence connecting Tylenol, circumcision, or autism. Nonetheless, the administration seems intent on pursuing this narrative.