Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has once again found himself at the center of controversy after reviving one of his most disputed claims during a recent meeting with President Donald Trump and Cabinet officials.
Speaking at the gathering, Kennedy repeated his long-standing belief that the widely used pain reliever Tylenol may be connected to autism, despite acknowledging that no scientific proof currently exists to support the claim.
His comments immediately sparked renewed criticism from medical experts, advocacy organizations, and public health professionals who argue that such statements risk spreading misinformation about autism and maternal health.
The controversy follows remarks made only weeks earlier when Kennedy and Trump suggested that common medications taken during pregnancy could potentially contribute to autism in children.
Those suggestions were met with swift opposition from researchers and healthcare professionals.
Medical experts emphasized that existing studies have found no reliable evidence linking Tylenol or similar pain medications to autism. Major health organizations have repeatedly stated that current research does not support such a connection.
Tylenol manufacturer Johnson & Johnson also rejected the allegations, saying it strongly disagrees with claims that its product causes autism. Meanwhile, autism advocacy groups voiced concern that the comments could create unnecessary fear among expectant mothers.
Among the organizations responding was the National Autistic Society, which described the claims as dangerous, unscientific, and irresponsible.
The issue has attracted attention far beyond the medical community. Former President Barack Obama recently expressed concern about proposals from the current administration that he believes could negatively affect public health efforts.
Despite the criticism, Kennedy continued defending his position during the Cabinet meeting.
“Anybody who takes the stuff during pregnancy unless they have to is irresponsible,” Kennedy said. Continue Reading ⬇️