A federal judge has mandated the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reinstate nearly $12 million in funding for the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This funding is crucial for various initiatives, including rural health care and the early identification of disabilities in young children. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell on March 15, 2024, comes as part of an ongoing lawsuit concerning the termination of grant funding by the Trump administration.
In her decision, Judge Howell granted a preliminary injunction, indicating that evidence suggested HHS acted with a “retaliatory motive” when it discontinued the grants in December 2023. “This is not a case about whether AAP or HHS is right or even has the better position on vaccinations and gender-affirming care for children, or any other public health policy,” Howell stated. “This is a case about whether the federal government has exercised power in a manner designed to chill public health policy debate by retaliating against a leading and generally trusted pediatrician member professional organization focused on improving the health of children.”
The funding cuts affected seven grants that supported various public health programs, including efforts to prevent sudden unexpected infant death, enhance pediatric care in rural communities, and provide assistance to teenagers facing substance use and mental health challenges. AAP has alleged that these funding reductions were made in response to the organization’s vocal opposition to policies of the Trump administration.
HHS contended that the grants were eliminated because they no longer aligned with the department’s priorities, firmly denying any allegations of retaliation. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his controversial stance against vaccinations, has introduced significant changes to childhood vaccine recommendations, which diverge from AAP’s guidance. The pediatric group has also advocated for access to gender-affirming care and has criticized HHS’s positions on this matter, asserting that such actions infringe on the doctor-patient relationship.
Judge Howell emphasized that AAP demonstrated it would likely suffer irreparable harm if the funding cuts were allowed to stand. She added that the public interest favored continuing the programs as the lawsuit progresses.
Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, which represents AAP in the lawsuit, expressed satisfaction with the ruling. “No administration gets to silence doctors, undermine public health, or put kids at risk, and we will not stop fighting until this unlawful retaliation is fully ended,” she stated.
A spokesperson for HHS, along with the department’s legal representatives, declined to comment on the ruling. The case continues to unfold, raising important questions about the relationship between government actions and public health advocacy.
