Texas attorney general sues Tylenol makers over autism claims

October 28, 2025

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, the current and former manufacturers of Tylenol, alleging they concealed potential risks the medication poses to children's brain development when taken during pregnancy. The lawsuit follows recent statements by President Trump and the FDA questioning Tylenol's safety, though medical organizations emphasize no credible scientific evidence links acetaminophen to autism or neurodevelopmental disorders. Major healthcare groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, maintain that acetaminophen remains one of the few safe pain relief options for pregnant women.

Who is affected

Pregnant women who use or may need Tylenol for pain and fever management
Children with autism and ADHD, and their parents
Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue (the manufacturers being sued)
Ken Paxton (Texas Attorney General filing the lawsuit)
Healthcare providers and doctors who recommend acetaminophen to pregnant patients

What action is being taken

Ken Paxton is suing Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue
The Trump administration has issued statements raising concerns about Tylenol use during pregnancy
The FDA has issued a notice that doctors should consider limiting Tylenol use
Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr is conducting "a massive testing and research effort" to determine autism's cause

Why it matters

This lawsuit matters because Tylenol (acetaminophen) is one of the only pain relief medications recommended as safe for pregnant women to treat pain and fever, which themselves pose serious health risks if untreated. If pregnant women avoid this medication based on unproven claims, they could face dangerous complications from untreated pain and fever. The case also represents a broader conflict between political actors making health claims and the scientific/medical community's consensus, potentially undermining public trust in established medical guidance and putting vulnerable populations at risk.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC