Tylenol-maker shares hit after report RFK Jr will suggest autism link

September 6, 2025

Kenvue, the maker of Tylenol, has defended its pain reliever as safe after its shares dropped sharply following a Wall Street Journal report that U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. plans to potentially link the medication to autism when used during pregnancy.

Who is affected

Pregnant women who take or may need to take Tylenol/acetaminophen
Children potentially at risk for autism
Kenvue shareholders (experienced a 9.5% drop in share value)
Families with children who have autism (estimated to affect 1 in 31 American children)
Healthcare providers who recommend pain relief medications for pregnant women
Plaintiffs in lawsuits against Tylenol's maker

What action is being taken

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is investigating "America's unprecedented rise in autism rates"
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is preparing to issue a report on autism causes this month
Kenvue is defending its product and maintaining there is no causal link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism
Plaintiffs are challenging a U.S. judge's dismissal of lawsuits against Tylenol's maker in a U.S. appeals court
Scientists are continuing to research and analyze studies on the potential connection between acetaminophen and neurodevelopmental disorders

Why it matters

Tylenol/acetaminophen is typically recommended by U.S. doctors for pregnant women needing pain relief
The potential link could affect medical guidance for pregnant women
Autism affects an estimated 1 in 31 American children
The report from a high-ranking government official could significantly impact public perception and medical practice
Research findings on this topic have been inconsistent, creating uncertainty for healthcare providers and patients
The financial implications for Kenvue are substantial, as demonstrated by the sharp drop in share value

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article, though it mentions Health Secretary Kennedy's autism report is expected to be released this month.

Read full article from source: BBC