Health Secretary’s Claims on Circumcision and Autism Spark Controversy
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sparked controversy by suggesting a link between autism and circumcision, as well as reiterating the unproven theory that Tylenol causes the disorder. During a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, Kennedy stated, “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.” However, medical experts are pushing back against these claims, citing a lack of concrete evidence and flawed studies.
Circumcision is a surgical procedure that removes the foreskin from a boy’s penis, often performed as part of cultural or religious practices. According to a 2025 study from Johns Hopkins Medicine, the prevalence of circumcision has decreased by nearly 5% from 2012 to 2022, from 54.1% to 49.3%. Despite this trend, Kennedy’s comments have raised concerns among medical professionals and autism advocacy groups.
Expert Criticism and Flawed Studies
Medical experts have criticized Kennedy’s claims, pointing out that the studies he cited have methodological flaws and do not establish a causal link between circumcision and autism. Dr. Céline Gounder, CBS News medical contributor and editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News, noted that “circumcision practices are also tied to culture and religion, which also affect autism diagnoses and healthcare use.” She added that confounding variables, such as socioeconomic status and access to healthcare, can distort the relationship between circumcision and autism.
The 2013 study cited by Kennedy looked at circumcision rates in boys versus autism rates, but the authors acknowledged that their study may have mistakes, bias, and confounding. The 2015 study from Denmark found that the risk of autism was higher among circumcised boys under age 5, but the association disappeared after age 5. Dr. Gounder explained that this could be due to the fact that kids undergoing circumcision in the healthcare system have greater contact with the healthcare system and have parents with higher levels of education and income, which are associated with being diagnosed with autism at a younger age.
Other experts, such as Dr. Steven Abelowitz, founder and medical director of Ocean Pediatrics, have also opposed Kennedy’s claims, stating that “there is absolutely no studies establishing any causality” between Tylenol, circumcision, or vaccines and autism. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children younger than 12 weeks should not be given acetaminophen unless instructed by their pediatrician, and most circumcisions occur before then with a local anesthetic.
International Response and Concerns
Kennedy’s comments have garnered international attention, with the United Kingdom’s National Autistic Society sharing a statement criticizing the Health Secretary’s “dangerous anti-science” claims. The organization’s head of policy and campaigns, Mel Merritt, said that the claims “could put lives at risk” and are not based on rigorous research. Last month, President Trump announced that the Food and Drug Administration believes the use of acetaminophen during pregnancy can be associated with an increased risk of autism, but medical experts have said that the medication is safe.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists President Dr. Steven J. Fleischman stated that “Suggestions that acetaminophen use in pregnancy causes autism are not only highly concerning to clinicians but also irresponsible when considering the harmful and confusing message they send to pregnant patients, including those who may need to rely on this beneficial medicine during pregnancy.” Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, has also stated that “independent, sound science clearly shows that taking acetaminophen does not cause autism.”
For more information on this topic, visit Here
Image Source: www.cbsnews.com
