Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is expected to release a report indicating that autism is tied to a common over-the-counter medicine used by pregnant women. REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. plans to announce a report claiming that pregnant women’s use of Tylenol could be linked to autism.
The report will also suggest that a medicine derived from folate, an important vitamin women take during pregnancy, can be used in treating symptoms of the developmental disorder for some people, sources familiar with the announcement told the Wall Street Journal.
The agency apparently wants to highlight how a form of folate, known as folinic acid or leucovorin, can decrease symptoms of autism, which in 2022 affected roughly 1 in 31 8-year-olds in the United States.
Over-the-counter medication Tylenol is a widely used pain reliever whose main ingredient is acetaminophen, also used during pregnancy.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says it is safe for women to take the medication to treat fever or pain during pregnancy and advises that, like all medications, women should consult with their doctors.
McNeil Consumer Healthcare, a division of Kenvue, makes Tylenol and other acetaminophen-based products. The company disputes the claims that the medication can harm women or babies.
“Nothing is more important to us than the health and safety of the people who use our products,” a Kenvue spokeswoman said. “We have continuously evaluated the science and continue to believe there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism.”
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is expected to announce large grant awards to academic researchers alongside the report, as part of the National Institute of Health's autism data science initiative, and called for these study proposals back in May.
Kennedy has long promised to find the cause of autism, indicating that information would be released.
“By September we will know what has caused the autism epidemic,” he said during a cabinet meeting with President Trump in April.
No reputable research has found a connection between autism and vaccines.
The expected announcement comes as calls for Kennedy's impeachment grow after a fiery hearing on Thursday, including calls from MAGA for him to resign from his position.
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