RFK Jr. Links Autism to Tylenol Use During Pregnancy

Federal Report Sparks Controversy Over Acetaminophen Safety and Neurodevelopmental Risk

In a move that has reignited national debate over prenatal medication safety, U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is preparing to release a federal report linking the use of Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy to increased risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The report, expected to be published this month, also highlights low maternal folate levels as a contributing factor and proposes folinic acid as a potential treatment for certain autism symptoms2.

The announcement follows years of litigation and scientific inquiry into whether acetaminophen—long considered a safe pain reliever for pregnant women—may interfere with fetal brain development. Kennedy’s position marks a significant shift in federal health messaging and could have sweeping implications for pharmaceutical liability, consumer safety, and autism research.

What the Report Will Say

According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, the forthcoming HHS report will include:

A proposed link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism risk
Emphasis on low folate levels as a co-factor in neurodevelopmental disorders
Recommendation of folinic acid (leucovorin) as a symptom management option for some individuals with ASD
A call for further investigation into environmental toxins and pharmaceutical exposures during pregnancy2

Kennedy has vowed to “find the cause” of rising autism rates, stating during a Cabinet meeting that the federal government will pursue environmental and pharmaceutical accountability. “We’re finding interventions now that are clearly almost certainly causing autism,” he said in August.

Scientific Context and Controversy

The report is expected to cite a 2024 meta-analysis published in BMC Environmental Health, which found that higher-quality studies tended to show stronger associations between acetaminophen exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, other large-scale studies, including a Swedish cohort of over 2 million children, found no statistically significant link5.

Tylenol manufacturer Kenvue (formerly part of Johnson & Johnson) has responded by defending the drug’s safety. “We have continuously evaluated the science and continue to believe there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism,” the company told The Wall Street Journal.

Legal and Market Fallout

The announcement has already impacted pharmaceutical markets. Kenvue’s stock dropped more than 6% following news of the report’s contents. Meanwhile, over 400 tylenol autism lawsuits have been filed in federal court alleging that Tylenol and generic acetaminophen products caused autism or ADHD when taken during pregnancy. These cases are consolidated under MDL 3043 in the Southern District of New York.

Although a federal judge recently dismissed expert testimony in the MDL, plaintiffs are appealing the decision, and new cases may still be filed. Retailers named in lawsuits include Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Target, and Rite Aid.

What Parents Should Know

If you took Tylenol or generic acetaminophen during pregnancy and your child was later diagnosed with autism or ADHD, you may be eligible to file a claim. Key factors include:

Documented use of acetaminophen during pregnancy
A formal diagnosis of ASD or ADHD
Medical records and proof of product purchase or usage

Potential compensation may include:

Medical and therapeutic expenses
Educational support and behavioral care
Pain and suffering
Long-term disability and loss of earning capacity

Conclusion

RFK Jr.’s report represents a turning point in the national conversation about autism, environmental toxins, and pharmaceutical safety. While the science remains contested, the legal and public health implications are profound. Families affected by autism deserve transparency, accountability, and access to justice.

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