RFK Jr walks back Trump administration’s claims linking Tylenol and autism

RFK Jr walks back Trump administration’s claims linking Tylenol and autism

Robert F. Kennedy, the secretary of health and human services of the United States, partially refutes his warning that taking Tylenol while pregnant has a direct connection with autism in young children.

Kennedy used a more moderate tone in a press conference on Wednesday than he has in his previous public appearances.

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According to Kennedy, “the causative association between Tylenol taken during pregnancy and the perinatal period is not sufficient to say that it definitely causes autism.” However, it has a very suggestive quality.

He continued, “There should be a cautious approach to it.” Consult your doctor is what we say to patients, mothers, pregnant women, and young children’s mothers.

The statement from Wednesday is more in line with the advice of reputable health organizations.

There haven’t been any conclusive findings in some studies, despite the possibility that Tylenol may have contributed to autism. Before taking the medication, pregnant women are advised to consult a doctor.

Despite “extensive research,” no consistent association has been established between the medication and autism, according to the World Health Organization in September.

However, contrary claims have already sparked restrictions on the sale of Tylenol, a well-known brand of acetaminophen, a fever- and pain-relieving medication.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit on Tuesday, accusing Johnson &amp, Johnson, and Kenvue, the manufacturers of the over-the-counter pain reliever, of deceptive practices.

He did so by reiterating misinformation that President Donald Trump and other government figures like Kennedy have shared.

In a statement, Paxton said, “We will help Make America Healthy Again,” a nod to Kennedy’s MAHA motto.

The lawsuit claims that Johnson &amp, Johnson, and Kenvue “deceptively promoted Tylenol as the only safe painkiller for pregnant women” in violation of Texas consumer protection laws.

It was the most recent instance of top officials spreading scientific lies. Throughout their political careers, Trump and Kennedy have repeatedly disseminated scientific nonsense.

Trump made the connection between autism and the painkiller during a press conference in September, but without providing any credible scientific evidence to support it.

Is it acceptable to use acetaminophen? Trump stated on September 22 that taking Tylenol, which is essentially, commonly known as Tylenol, during pregnancy increases the risk of autism. Thus, Tylenol consumption is harmful. I’ll say it. It is not good.

Despite not having any formal medical training, Kennedy has made his own sweeping statements regarding Tylenol and its alleged risks.

In a cabinet meeting on October 9, he said, “Anyone who takes this stuff during pregnancy, unless they do, is irresponsible.”

Early this month, Kennedy also mischaracterized studies on male circumcision. He made up his false claim that studies showed that children who were “circumcised early” had more autism.

He continued, “It’s highly likely because they’ve been given Tylenol.”

In a statement released on Tuesday, Kenvue emphasized that acetaminophen is the safest option for pregnant women, noting that if left untreated, high fevers and pain could lead to premature births.

Source: Aljazeera

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