RFK Jr claims circumcised boys are more likely to be autistic – here’s why
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is facing renewed criticism for reviving a controversial claim during a meeting with former President Donald Trump. He suggested, without evidence, a potential link between the painkiller Tylenol and autism.
Kennedy asserted that pregnant women who take the medication are acting irresponsibly. He admitted there is no current proof but insisted that studies are underway to establish a connection.
This theory was quickly refuted by the scientific community. Experts and organizations, including the National Autistic Society, have condemned the claim as dangerous and unsupported by evidence, stressing no causal link exists.
During the discussion, Kennedy made a basic anatomical error, stating a baby develops in the “placenta” instead of the uterus. He also attributed a social media user’s behavior to “Trump derangement syndrome.”
He further referenced a debunked notion linking infant circumcision to autism. This misinterprets an old study that reported a correlation but did not prove causation and lacked data on painkiller use.
The incident has sparked concern among public health experts. They worry that such statements from a high-ranking official can lend false credibility to unproven theories and undermine trust in science.
This situation raises a question about public accountability. Should prominent figures be held responsible for promoting unverified medical claims, or does this fall under the protection of free speech?
