Circumcision, Tylenol, and Autism? Why RFK Jr. and Trump’s Claims Don’t Hold Up
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and President Donald Trump recently reignited old fears about Tylenol, circumcision, and autism—but experts say their claims are misleading, unsupported, and potentially harmful to public health.
At a Cabinet meeting, Kennedy suggested that early circumcision might double the risk of autism in boys because infants are often given Tylenol for post-surgery pain. Trump echoed those concerns, urging pregnant women and parents to avoid acetaminophen altogether.
But here’s the problem: the evidence simply doesn’t back them up.
The Studies They Cited — and What They Really Mean
Kennedy pointed to two studies, one from 2013 and another from 2015, that explored circumcision rates and autism diagnoses.
- 2015 Danish study: Looked at over 340,000 boys. Found a correlation between ritual circumcision and autism spectrum disorders—but the authors themselves called the study flawed. They noted that parental conscientiousness, not circumcision or Tylenol use, could explain the results. Importantly, the researchers had no data on pain medication use.
- 2013 ecological study: Found that countries with higher circumcision rates also had higher autism prevalence. But this was a classic case of correlation not proving causation. The authors admitted their analysis could not establish a direct link.
Bottom line: Neither study proves that circumcision or Tylenol causes autism.
What the Science Actually Says About Tylenol
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is one of the most widely used medications during pregnancy and childhood. Some recent studies have raised questions about whether heavy use of acetaminophen during pregnancy may be associated with neurodevelopmental issues—but these findings are inconsistent and not definitive.
- The FDA has not concluded that Tylenol causes autism. Its guidance to doctors emphasizes caution, not prohibition.
- Large-scale studies have not shown a causal link between acetaminophen use in infants and autism.
Circumcision: The Evidence on Benefits
While Kennedy focused on circumcision as a risk factor, the broader medical literature shows that the procedure has well-documented health benefits:
- Lower risk of urinary tract infections in infants
- Reduced risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections later in life
- Lower rates of penile inflammation and certain cancers
This is why the World Health Organization (2007), the American Academy of Pediatrics (2012), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2018) have supported neonatal circumcision as a preventive health measure.
A recent Johns Hopkins study (2024) found that circumcision rates in the U.S. have declined in the past decade, in part due to growing public distrust of medical guidance—a trend that claims like Kennedy’s may worsen.
Why Misinformation Matters
When political leaders amplify weak or flawed science, it erodes public trust and can lead to harmful health decisions. Suggesting that Tylenol or circumcision “causes” autism without evidence risks scaring parents away from safe pain management or beneficial medical procedures.
Public health depends on rigorous evidence, not speculation. Autism is a complex condition influenced by genetic, environmental, and developmental factors. Oversimplified theories—especially ones that have been repeatedly debunked—do more harm than good.
Takeaway for Parents and the Public
- Tylenol remains safe when used as directed. Pregnant women should follow their doctor’s advice, not political talking points.
- Circumcision has proven health benefits. Decisions should be made with a pediatrician, not based on fearmongering headlines.
- Autism is not caused by a single factor like circumcision or Tylenol. The best science available shows these claims lack credibility.
As disinformation spreads faster than ever, it’s critical to ask: What does the evidence really say? In this case, the science is clear—Kennedy and Trump’s claims don’t stand up to scrutiny.
