Anti-vaccine groups melt down over reports RFK Jr. to link autism to Tylenol

Health Secretary and prominent anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly set to claim that the use of Tylenol, also known as acetaminophen or paracetamol, during pregnancy is associated with autism. This unverified assertion has sparked outrage among Kennedy's anti-vaccine supporters. In a fervent response, the Georgia Coalition for Vaccine Choice posted on Facebook, expressing their frustration: "We didn’t wait 20 years for Bobby to finally speak and then get served Tylenol as an answer. If that's all we hear - is that the end?" They raised concerns over other factors often discussed in the vaccine-autism debate, including thimerosal and aluminum. Children's Health Defense (CHD), the organization founded by Kennedy, also voiced their discontent over the proposed link between acetaminophen and autism. They retweeted a message addressing parents who wrongly attribute their children's neurological issues to vaccines, asserting, "THIS WAS NOT CAUSED BY TYLENOL." The initial reports of Kennedy's plan to associate Tylenol with autism surfaced earlier this month through The Wall Street Journal. Tensions escalated further after former President Trump hinted at a significant announcement regarding autism's causes during a recent speech. This was followed by a report from The Washington Post, indicating that the Trump administration might advise against using the common pain reliever early in pregnancy unless necessary to combat a fever. The announcement concerning this controversial link is anticipated later today. Historically, CHD has raised alarms about children's use of Tylenol, albeit not specifically in relation to pregnancy. In a recent appearance on Steve Bannon's podcast, CHD President Mary Holland sought to downplay the proposed link, insisting: "Today may be something of a sideshow—Tylenol is not the primary cause. Vaccines are the primary cause [of autism]." It's important to note that the assertion that vaccines cause autism has been repeatedly discredited by scientific research.