By Sid Dinerstein
Wednesday, 24 September 2025 08:14 AM EDT
Federal health officials have raised concerns about a potential link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism, according to recent announcements at the White House. The revelation came as U.S. President Donald Trump observed Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a discussion on “significant medical and scientific findings for America’s children.”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who previously served as a lifelong Democratic Party member and son of assassinated senator Robert F. Kennedy, shifted political allegiances in 2023. After being barred from the Democratic primary ballot, he endorsed Trump and was appointed to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. His tenure has sparked debate over his focus on health issues, including vaccines, autism, and childhood diabetes.
Kennedy Jr. has emphasized policy changes rooted in peer-reviewed research, advocating for medical school curricula that prioritize nutrition education. He also highlighted staffing reforms at HHS, criticizing the department’s previous leadership for failing to address public health crises such as obesity, infant mortality, and declining longevity.
Recent developments include Kennedy Jr.’s plan to issue warnings about acetaminophen use during pregnancy, aiming to add safety labels to the drug. The move has drawn attention as a pivotal step in reshaping national healthcare discourse.
Sid Dinerstein, a former chairman of the Palm Beach County Republican Party, provides analysis on political and health policy matters.
