Gabel Addresses Tylenol Misinformation, Reckless Pseudoscience from HHS Secretary

EVANSTON, Ill. – State Rep. Robyn Gabel, D-Evanston, recently supported a resolution calling for the ouster of Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as well as pushing back against the reckless and irresponsible spreading of junk science around Tylenol and pregnancy from him and the Trump Administration.

“Anti-science rhetoric coming from the White House poses a serious danger to the American people, new mothers especially,” Gabel said. “The wild misinformation Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has been peddling about maternal healthcare makes it clear that he should be divested of his power and influence immediately. In Illinois, we are supporting continued scientific progress so the people of this state receive modern medical approaches to their illnesses, reap the benefits of clean energy technology and learn the skills they need to compete in the modern workplace.”

Recently, Kennedy sparked renewed outrage and derision by claiming, without facts or evidence, that acetaminophen, also known as Tylenol, causes autism when taken by mothers during pregnancy. Critics immediately pointed out that these claims are cruelly dehumanizing toward those living with autism—as well as promoting falsehoods about legitimate treatments in a way that endangers maternal and fetal health by increasing the risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and complications due to untreated fever.

“Despite a White House that seems determined to push us in the wrong direction, Illinois is continuing to make progress,” Gabel said. “Expansions of equitable healthcare coverage, an education system that is quickly becoming one of the best in the country, new childcare programs; these are all programs that will build a stronger, smarter future for our state, whatever misguided federal officials try.”