U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is preparing to release a Department of Health and Human Services report that suggests a potential link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism in children, as initially reported by the Wall Street Journal. However, medical experts and regulatory bodies maintain that current evidence does not establish a causal relationship, emphasizing the complexity of autism’s causes.
The upcoming HHS report, expected this month, will reportedly identify acetaminophen—the active ingredient in Tylenol—as a factor associated with autism when used by pregnant women, along with deficiencies in folate, a vitamin crucial for fetal development. It may also recommend folinic acid, a form of folate, to reduce autism symptoms, building on existing guidelines for folate supplementation to prevent neural tube defects.
In response, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued a statement affirming that there is no clear evidence proving a direct link between acetaminophen use and neurodevelopmental disorders. They highlighted that autism is multifactorial and advised against discouraging the use of acetaminophen, which is one of the few safe pain relief options during pregnancy.
Scientific research on this topic presents conflicting findings. A comprehensive study published in JAMA in 2024, involving over 2 million children in Sweden, found no increased risk of autism associated with acetaminophen use during pregnancy. On the other hand, a meta-analysis in BMC Environmental Health suggested a strong association but cautioned that the evidence is observational and cannot prove causation.
The Wall Street Journal’s report prompted a significant market reaction, with shares of Kenvue, Tylenol’s manufacturer, falling approximately 10%. Kenvue responded by stating their continuous evaluation of the science supports no causal link, and they reiterated the safety of acetaminophen as endorsed by the FDA and medical organizations.
Autism prevalence in the United States has been increasing, with recent CDC data showing about 1 in 31 children diagnosed by age 8 in 2022. Experts attribute this rise to expanded diagnostic criteria and improved screening efforts, rather than isolated factors like medication use.
Secretary Kennedy has previously promoted controversial theories, including debunked claims about vaccines and autism. In April, he announced a $50 million research initiative through the NIH to investigate autism’s causes, with results expected to be announced soon, though some officials indicated findings might take longer.
An HHS spokesperson described the WSJ report as “speculation” and emphasized that the agency is committed to rigorous scientific investigation. The final report’s release will aim to address the unprecedented rise in autism rates, but it is likely to be met with scrutiny from the scientific community.
In the interim, public health advice remains unchanged: pregnant women should use acetaminophen as directed by healthcare providers, and any concerns should be discussed with medical professionals. The ongoing research underscores the need for more definitive studies to understand autism’s complex etiology.