Experts Warn of Risks as Kennedy Revives Discredited Theories

Kennedy’s statements went beyond unverified medical claims. Referring to a social media video, he incorrectly described a woman as having a “baby in her placenta” while taking Tylenol — a biological inaccuracy that health professionals were quick to correct, noting that fetuses develop within the uterus, not the placenta. He also linked the incident to “Trump derangement syndrome,” a comment many found confusing and politically charged.

Adding further controversy, Kennedy repeated a previously debunked claim suggesting a connection between infant circumcision and autism, allegedly linked to pain medication given after the procedure. The theory misinterprets a 2015 Danish study that found only a weak statistical correlation and explicitly stated there was no evidence of causation. Medical professionals have emphasized that presenting correlation as proof can distort public understanding and contribute to medical misinformation.

Public health experts have expressed growing concern about the consequences of misinformation coming from high-ranking government officials. As Health Secretary, Kennedy’s words carry considerable influence over national health policy and public opinion. Critics argue that his remarks risk undermining science-based medicine and damaging trust in public institutions.

The controversy has also reignited debate over free speech versus accountability. Many agree that while public officials have the right to express opinions, spreading unfounded medical theories under the banner of authority can have serious real-world consequences. As health leaders work to reinforce confidence in medical science, Kennedy’s comments highlight an ongoing challenge: combating misinformation from within the very institutions meant to protect public health.