RFK expected to release report linking Tylenol during pregnancy as a link to autism
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has already generated numerous headlines for the bold moves he's making in his high-profile leadership position, which was given to him by President Donald Trump, and this week's expected announcement could be one of his biggest yet.
According to the New York Post, RFK Jr. is set to announce that, based on research, he believes the use of Tylenol by pregnant women could lead to the birth of autistic children.
The report noted that after the announcement, he'll also reveal a vitamin-based therapy to treat the condition, setting the left on fire as they continually fight against his health-related policies.
The report will officially be issued by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) later this month, according to the outlet.
What's happening?
Sources familiar with the upcoming announcement said that it will focus on highlighting that taking Tylenol or having any "low folate levels and acetaminophen during pregnancy” could be linked to autism.
The Post noted:
The review will also highlight folinic acid, known as leucovorin, as a possible therapy to ease autism symptoms in some patients, sources told the Journal.
An HHS spokesperson explained to the outlet how its using science to get to the root of the uptick in autism in America.
"We are using gold-standard science to get to the bottom of America’s unprecedented rise in autism rates,” an HHS spokesperson told the outlet last week.
"Until we release the final report, any claims about its contents are nothing more than speculation."
Parent company responds
The news actually plummeted the stock of Kenvue, which is the parent company of Tylenol-maker McNeil Consumer Healthcare, but it recovered near the end of the business day.
Regardless, the company put out a statement on the speculation that the report will link the common painkiller to autism.
"Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of the people who use our products," a Kenvue spokeswoman told the Wall Street Journal.
"We have continuously evaluated the science and continue to believe there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism."
Sources say the report could link other drugs to autism, though it's unclear which ones might be named. Only time will tell.