RFK Jr. Pushes Unproven Idea That Boys Who Are ‘Circumcised Early’ Have ‘Double the Rate’ of Autism

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently asserted that boys who are “circumcised early” have “double the rate of autism,” even though scientists have found no credible evidence to support such a claim.

The Health and Human Services Secretary made the statement during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Oct. 9, reiterating his personal belief that childhood autism is linked to the use of Tylenol during pregnancy — a theory long dismissed by researchers and health authorities.

“There’s two studies that show children who are circumcised early have double the rate of autism. It’s highly likely because they are given Tylenol,” Kennedy said during the meeting, without identifying the studies he referenced.

He may have been referring to a 2013 study spanning eight countries and a 2015 Danish study that claimed a connection between circumcision and autism. Both have since been widely criticized by the scientific community for flawed methodology and unsupported conclusions.

Helen Tager-Flusberg, an autism researcher and professor emerita at Boston University, described the methods used in those studies as “appalling,” according to Scientific American.

In 2022, scientists reviewed those studies — along with several others concerning male circumcision — and concluded there was no evidence supporting the idea that circumcision contributes to autism.

Tylenol’s parent company, Kenvue, responded in a statement: “We believe independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism. We strongly disagree with any suggestion otherwise and are deeply concerned about the health risks and confusion this poses for expecting mothers and parents.”

Kenvue added, “Acetaminophen is also one of the most widely studied pain relievers and fever reducers in infants and children, and numerous randomized, controlled clinical trials support the safety of acetaminophen in infants and children when used as directed.”

The company continued, “Over a decade of rigorous research, endorsed by leading medical professionals and global health regulators, confirms there is no credible evidence linking acetaminophen to autism. We stand with the many public health and medical professionals who have reviewed this science and agree.”

Kenvue also addressed Kennedy’s previous statements regarding Tylenol use during pregnancy, saying, “Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy. Without it, women face dangerous choices: suffer through conditions like fever that are potentially harmful to both mom and baby or use riskier alternatives. High fevers and pain are widely recognized as potential risks to a pregnancy if left untreated.”

Kennedy has drawn significant criticism for his views on autism, a neurodevelopmental condition that affects brain development and can lead to repetitive behaviors, communication challenges, and speech difficulties, according to the Mayo Clinic.

In April, Kennedy announced plans to create a national registry of individuals with autism using private medical records. That same month, he faced backlash after claiming that people with autism “will never pay taxes, never hold a job, never play baseball.”

He has also promoted the long-debunked claim that vaccines cause autism.