A nationally divisive figure in President Trump’s inner circle and secretary of US Health and Human services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced a series of actions the government plans on enacting to tackle the “autism epidemic”. With ASD (autism spectrum disorder) increasing dramatically since 2000, the government hopes to pinpoint the cause and cure children before they have a chance to show symptoms.
The big health debacle of September 22nd involved, of all things, Tylenol. More specifically, acetaminophen, an analgesic drug, otherwise known as a painkiller. RFK Jr. and his informants intend to add warning labels to these medicinal products to dissuade pregnant women from consuming them due to speculation involving a link to prenatal neurodevelopmental issues. In addition, the FDA worked in agreement with the US Health and Human services to approve leucovorin as the first potential method of treatment for ASD (www.hhs.gov).
Opposing the aforementioned claims, congresswoman Rosa Delauro argued that scientists and medical professionals have already proven the safety of tylenol, noting the pain-relieving effects it has on pregnant women. Delauro additionally opposes the endorsement of leucovorin, stating that it “is not proven to work and Dr. Mehmet Oz, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) administer, potentially stands to profit due to his ties to a leucovorin supplement, which is not FDA approved” (delauro.house.gov).
No matter how you look at it, there’s no denying RFK Jr.’s controversial track record involving bold claims against medication, or, in another case, vaccines. The reactionary public drew a lot of attention to the tylenol shock, ignoring the blatant likeness to an earlier story this year involving RFK’s opposition to a vaccine study revealing vaccines to be safe. (Read more here: www.theguardian.com)
It’s important to stay educated and informed about health products and medicine. There will always be new information and additional regulations to previously safe products. But ultimately, especially with regards to medicine, we need to look to scientists for answers, and hope that those in power remain honest and have the public’s best interest at heart.