HHS chief RFK Jr. revives Tylenol–autism, circumcision claims
HHS chief Robert F. Kennedy Jr. revived unproven claims that early circumcision doubles autism risk and suggested the link is “highly likely” due to acetaminophen (Tylenol) given after the procedure. Experts counter that the association is explained by confounding (a 2015 Danish study’s link disappears after age five), there is no causal evidence linking Tylenol, circumcision, or vaccines to autism, AAP guidance advises against routine acetaminophen for infants under 12 weeks, most newborn circumcisions use local anesthetic within 48 hours and Tylenol is rarely used, and U.S. circumcision prevalence fell from 54.1% in 2012 to 49.3% in 2022.
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📌 Key Facts
- RFK Jr., now HHS chief, said: "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."
- Experts rebutted the claim: Dr. Céline Gounder explained the association is likely due to confounding and noted that a 2015 Danish study’s link between circumcision and autism disappears after children reach age 5.
- Dr. Steven Abelowitz stated there is no causal evidence linking acetaminophen (Tylenol), circumcision, or vaccines to autism.
- Clinical practice undercuts the claim that Tylenol exposure from circumcision drives autism: Dr. Abelowitz said, "We almost never use Tylenol after circumcision."
- American Academy of Pediatrics guidance cited: acetaminophen is not recommended for infants under 12 weeks unless directed by a pediatrician; most newborn circumcisions occur within 48 hours and typically use a local anesthetic.
- Contextual data: a Johns Hopkins Medicine 2025 analysis found U.S. circumcision prevalence declined from 54.1% in 2012 to 49.3% in 2022.
📰 Sources (2)
Is autism linked to circumcision? Experts react to RFK Jr.'s suggestion.
New information:
- Direct quote of RFK Jr.: '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.'
- Expert rebuttal from Dr. Céline Gounder explaining confounding and why a 2015 Danish study’s association disappears after age 5.
- Expert statement from Dr. Steven Abelowitz: no causal evidence linking Tylenol, circumcision, or vaccines to autism.
- AAP guidance cited: children under 12 weeks should not receive acetaminophen unless instructed by a pediatrician; most newborn circumcisions use local anesthetic and occur within 48 hours.
- Clinical practice note: 'We almost never use Tylenol after circumcision,' per Dr. Abelowitz.
- Contextual data: Johns Hopkins Medicine 2025 analysis showing U.S. circumcision prevalence fell from 54.1% (2012) to 49.3% (2022).