Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has initiated a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and its spinoff, Kenvue, alleging that the companies misled consumers about the safety of Tylenol for pregnant women. The lawsuit claims that the companies failed to disclose potential links between acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, and autism, as well as other developmental disorders.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Paxton criticized the pharmaceutical industry, stating, "Big Pharma betrayed America by profiting off of pain and pushing pills regardless of the risks. These corporations lied for decades, knowingly endangering millions to line their pockets." He emphasized that holding these companies accountable is essential for public health.

This lawsuit marks the first action taken by a state government following recent claims made by President Donald Trump regarding the risks associated with Tylenol use during pregnancy. Trump suggested that there is an increased risk of autism linked to the medication, despite the lack of substantial evidence supporting this assertion.

Johnson & Johnson has a long history of selling Tylenol, while Kenvue has been marketing the product since its establishment in 2023. In response to the lawsuit, Kenvue expressed concern over what it described as misinformation regarding acetaminophen's safety. The company stated, "Acetaminophen is the safest pain reliever option for pregnant women as needed throughout their entire pregnancy. Without it, women face dangerous choices: suffer through conditions like fever that are potentially harmful to both mom and baby or use riskier alternatives."

The scientific community remains divided on the issue. Some studies have suggested a correlation between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism, while others have found no significant link. Major medical organizations have criticized the claims made by Trump and Kennedy, arguing that the risks associated with untreated conditions during pregnancy are far greater than any potential risks posed by acetaminophen.

Dr. Steven J. Fleischman, president of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, stated, "The conditions people use acetaminophen to treat during pregnancy are far more dangerous than any theoretical risks and can create severe morbidity and mortality for the pregnant person and the fetus."

The lawsuit also highlights ongoing personal injury claims against Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, with numerous individuals alleging that their children experienced adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes after their mothers took Tylenol during pregnancy. These cases have been consolidated into multi-district litigation, which is currently progressing through the courts.

Keller Postman, the law firm representing Paxton in this case, has previously handled significant litigation against major corporations. The firm’s attorney, Ashley Keller, noted that he was chosen for this case due to his familiarity with the science and history surrounding the issue.

Paxton's lawsuit is based on state consumer protection laws, specifically the Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act and the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. This approach differs from personal injury lawsuits, as it seeks to hold the companies accountable for their marketing practices rather than individual claims of harm.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the implications of this lawsuit could be significant for the pharmaceutical industry and public health policies regarding medication use during pregnancy. The situation continues to develop, and further updates are expected as the case progresses through the legal system.