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The American Academy of Pediatrics filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on Wednesday, challenging the abrupt termination of nearly $12 million in federal grants that support critical children’s health programs.
According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the federal government cut the funding earlier this month without warning. The terminated grants had been supporting numerous public health initiatives, including programs to prevent sudden unexpected infant death, strengthen pediatric care access in rural communities, and assist teenagers facing substance use and mental health challenges.
“AAP does not have other sources of grant funding to replace the federal awards, and without the necessary funds it must immediately terminate its work on its dozens of programs that save children’s lives every day,” the lawsuit states. The organization warns that within weeks, it will need to begin laying off employees dedicated to these programs.
The 67,000-member doctors’ group alleges that HHS terminated the funding as retaliation for the organization’s public stances that conflict with the Trump administration’s positions on several key health issues. This conflict represents a significant rupture in what has historically been a collaborative relationship between the federal government and one of the nation’s leading medical associations.
The pediatrics group has been particularly vocal in its support for childhood vaccines at a time when HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a longtime figure in the anti-vaccine movement, is working to substantially reshape federal vaccine policies. Earlier this year, the AAP released its own recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines that diverged considerably from the government’s guidelines, highlighting growing tensions between the medical establishment and current federal health leadership.
Additionally, the AAP has maintained its support for access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth, directly opposing HHS positions on the matter. The organization has criticized what it describes as government infringement on the doctor-patient relationship in this area of healthcare.
“The Department of Health and Human Services is using federal funding as a political weapon to punish protected speech, trying to silence one of the nation’s most trusted voices for children’s well-being by cutting off critical public-health funding in retaliation for speaking the truth,” said Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, the legal organization representing the AAP in the lawsuit.
HHS representatives could not be reached immediately for comment on the allegations.
Mark Del Monte, CEO and executive vice president of the AAP, emphasized the importance of the organization’s partnership with the federal government in advancing children’s health policies. “These vital child health programs fund services like hearing screenings for newborns and safe sleep campaigns to prevent sudden unexpected infant death,” Del Monte said in a statement. “We are forced to take legal action today so that these programs can continue to make communities safer and healthier.”
The lawsuit highlights broader concerns about the politicization of public health funding and medical guidelines under the current administration. Public health experts have expressed alarm about potential disruptions to long-established programs that provide essential services to vulnerable populations, particularly children in underserved communities.
The case also raises constitutional questions about government retaliation against organizations for protected speech. Legal experts note that federal agencies cannot legally withhold funding to punish recipients for expressing views that differ from administration policies.
If the AAP’s funding is not restored quickly, the impact could be felt nationwide, affecting programs that have contributed to significant improvements in infant mortality rates, childhood vaccination coverage, and adolescent mental health services over the past several decades.
The case is expected to proceed rapidly through the courts given the urgent nature of the funding cuts and their potential impact on public health programs currently in operation across the country.
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11 Comments
It’s troubling to see the government terminate grants that support important initiatives like preventing infant deaths and assisting teenagers with substance abuse and mental health challenges. Children’s health should be a top priority, not a political bargaining chip.
Exactly. Pediatric care access and public health programs for youth are essential. The AAP is right to take legal action to protect funding for these vital services.
This lawsuit highlights the need for consistent, reliable funding for children’s healthcare programs. Sudden cuts like this can severely disrupt critical work and put young lives at risk. I hope the court can provide a swift resolution to ensure these initiatives can continue uninterrupted.
The Trump administration’s decision to terminate these grants is extremely concerning. Pediatric care, infant mortality prevention, and youth mental health support are all essential public health priorities. This action appears to be politically motivated and could have devastating consequences for vulnerable children and families.
I agree, this seems to be a troubling case of politics interfering with public health. The AAP is right to challenge this in court to protect the integrity of these vital programs.
The abrupt termination of nearly $12 million in federal grants that support children’s health initiatives is very alarming. These programs make a real difference in communities across the country. I hope the courts can quickly resolve this dispute and ensure the necessary funding is restored.
Cutting funding for programs that prevent infant deaths, improve pediatric care access, and assist youth with substance abuse and mental health issues is unconscionable. The American Academy of Pediatrics is absolutely right to take legal action to protect these critical public health initiatives.
Completely agree. The wellbeing of children should be a non-partisan issue. I hope the courts rule swiftly to reinstate this vital funding.
Cutting funding for critical children’s health programs is deeply concerning. The American Academy of Pediatrics plays a vital role in supporting public health initiatives that save young lives. I hope the courts can quickly resolve this dispute and restore the necessary funding.
Agreed. These programs provide crucial support for vulnerable children and families. Abruptly terminating this funding without warning is highly problematic and could have severe consequences.
This is a deeply concerning situation. The termination of these children’s health grants appears to be politically motivated rather than based on legitimate policy considerations. The American Academy of Pediatrics is taking the appropriate steps to challenge this reckless decision in court.