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The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., sparked controversy on Thursday by suggesting a possible link between infant circumcision, the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen), and the rising cases of autism in the country.
During a cabinet meeting chaired by Donald Trump, Kennedy Jr. asserted that there are scientific studies showing how circumcised boys are more likely to suffer from autism.
His statements were cited by numerous media outlets. The Secretary of Health believes that the press is trying to misrepresent his words; therefore, he clarified his statement in a social media post.
"As usual, the major media outlets are attacking me for something I didn't say to distract from the truth of what I actually said. In yesterday's Cabinet meeting, I stated: “There are two studies showing that children who are circumcised at an early age have double the autism rate, and it is very likely that this is because they are given Tylenol.”"
Kennedy Jr. is known for his opposition to vaccines. The controversy surrounding the example he cited is mainly because his statements lack supporting scientific data.
He added that there are "many studies that confirm" a presumed link between acetaminophen and autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
"An August 2025 review from Preprints.org conducted by Patel et al. directly validates my point that the correlation observed with autism in circumcised children is better explained by exposure to acetaminophen, rather than circumcision itself," said Kennedy Jr..
Reactions from the scientific community
The scientific community has expressed concern regarding these statements. The National Autism Association of the United Kingdom labeled Kennedy's remarks as "dangerous anti-science" and criticized them for not being grounded in rigorous research.
"This incessant focus on pseudoscientific causes of autism means that autistic individuals are forced to hear the suggestion that they need to be 'cured,' as if being autistic is not acceptable and someone must be 'blamed.' This is incorrect and dangerous," the organization stated in a press release.
Trump and Autism in the United States
President Trump, for his part, had already announced that his administration fears that the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy may lead to cases of autism, and stated that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would begin notifying doctors about this possible link.
However, the FDA itself published a less conclusive notice shortly afterward, in which it only recommends "considering minimizing" the use of acetaminophen in pregnant women and acknowledged that "no causal relationship has been established."
The president also publicly commented his views on autism in Cuba.
In this regard, he noted: “There is a rumor, and I don’t know if it’s true or not, that in Cuba they don’t have Tylenol because they don’t have money to buy it, and they practically don’t have autism. OK, tell me something about that.”
What is the U.S. government planning on this issue?
The government's strategy includes limiting the use of the drug during pregnancy, except in medically necessary cases such as high fever, and promoting the use of leucovorin, an experimental medication. Preliminary trials have shown improvements in the communication of children with ASD who received it as a complementary treatment.
The initiatives are led by Kennedy Jr., along with the FDA Commissioner, Marty Makary, and the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Jay Bhattacharya.
According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in every 31 children aged eight has been diagnosed with autism in the U.S., an increase from one in every 150 reported in the year 2000.
While part of the increase is attributed to greater awareness and better diagnostic tools, some experts are exploring the possibility of environmental and lifestyle influences.
The leading medical societies continue to consider acetaminophen safe during pregnancy, although they recommend consulting with a professional before taking any medication during that time.
Representatives of Tylenol have held meetings with health authorities to understand the potential impact of the new policies on the product and the pharmaceutical industry in general.
The White House has framed these actions within its national strategy to contain the rise in diagnoses and advance research into the causes of autism.
Frequently asked questions about the relationship between autism, circumcision, and medication use
What relationship does Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suggest between childhood circumcision and autism?
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health, suggested that children circumcised at an early age are twice as likely to develop autism. However, his statements have been criticized for lacking solid scientific evidence to support them.
Is there a link between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and autism?
The U.S. government is investigating the possible link between the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy and autism, although to date, no conclusive causal relationship has been established. Leading medical societies consider acetaminophen safe, but advise caution during pregnancy.
What does the scientific community say about Kennedy Jr.'s statements?
The scientific community has reacted with concern and has labeled Kennedy Jr.'s statements as "dangerous anti-science." The National Autism Association of the UK stated that the claims are not based on rigorous research and can be harmful.
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