Texas Sues Tylenol Makers Over Autism Risk Claims
In a high-stakes legal move echoing national political currents, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue—the makers of Tylenol—alleging they concealed potential links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and ADHD.
What’s Behind the Tylenol Autism Lawsuit?
The Tylenol autism lawsuit, filed on October 28, 2025, marks the first time a U.S. state has taken formal legal action based on claims popularized by former President Donald Trump. Last month, Trump asserted on Truth Social that pregnant women should avoid Tylenol unless “absolutely necessary,” citing unverified concerns about autism risk.
While scientific consensus remains divided—and major health agencies say evidence is inconclusive—Paxton’s suit alleges that the drugmakers “knowingly withheld” data from consumers and even structured a corporate spinoff to evade liability.
Corporate Spinoff or Legal Shield?
Johnson & Johnson spun off its consumer health division into a new company, Kenvue, in 2023. Paxton’s complaint claims this move was partly designed to insulate Johnson & Johnson from mounting Tylenol-related litigation. Johnson & Johnson denies this, stating the split was strategic, aimed at focusing on pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Kenvue, which now owns Tylenol, Band-Aid, and Johnson’s Baby products, called the lawsuit “baseless” and reaffirmed its stance that acetaminophen is safe when used as directed.
“We stand firmly with the global medical community that acknowledges the safety of acetaminophen,” said Melissa Witt, Kenvue spokesperson.
What Does the Science Actually Say?
The controversy hinges on a 2024 scientific review by researchers from Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Mount Sinai’s Icahn School of Medicine. The analysis found that more than half of 46 observational studies showed a correlation between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and increased risk of autism or ADHD.
However, correlation ≠ causation. Critics point out that women who take Tylenol during pregnancy often do so because of infections or fevers—conditions themselves linked to developmental risks. A massive Swedish study of 2.5 million children found no causal link once maternal genetics were accounted for.
Regulatory Stance and Medical Guidance
Despite the political noise, leading health organizations—including the FDA and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists—still consider acetaminophen the safest pain and fever reliever for pregnant women. Untreated high fevers can lead to birth defects or preterm labor.
That said, the FDA is currently reviewing whether to add a warning label about neurodevelopmental risks. Kenvue has publicly opposed such a move, arguing it’s not backed by “reliable scientific evidence.”
Lawsuit Strategy and Political Context
Paxton, who is challenging Senator John Cornyn in the 2026 Republican primary, has built a reputation for filing lawsuits aligned with Trump’s agenda—from election challenges to immigration battles. This Tylenol case was filed in a conservative rural Texas county near the Louisiana border, possibly to secure a favorable judicial environment.
Notably, the same law firm representing thousands of individual plaintiffs in federal Tylenol-autism cases—Keller Postman—is serving as outside counsel for Texas.
Key Facts: Tylenol, Autism, and the Law
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Plaintiff | State of Texas (Ken Paxton, AG) |
| Defendants | Johnson & Johnson, Kenvue |
| Core Allegation | Failure to warn about autism/ADHD risks from prenatal acetaminophen use |
| Scientific Consensus | Mixed; no proven causation |
| Federal Court Status | Previous mass tort cases dismissed (appeal pending Nov 17, 2025) |
What’s Next?
While individual lawsuits face an uphill battle proving causation, Texas’s case takes a different legal angle—focusing on consumer protection and alleged deceptive marketing. If successful, it could force label changes or even reshape how over-the-counter drugs disclose potential risks.
For now, pregnant women are advised to consult their doctors before making any changes to medication use.
