WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has terminated seven federal grants worth millions of dollars to the American Academy of Pediatrics, escalating an ongoing legal and political conflict between the agency and one of the nation’s most influential pediatric medical organizations.
The funding cuts affect programs focused on reducing sudden infant death, preventing fetal alcohol syndrome, improving adolescent health, and supporting early identification of autism. The grants had supported initiatives reaching infants, children, and families nationwide, according to academy officials.
The move comes amid a broader dispute over vaccine policy under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Earlier this year, the academy boycotted meetings of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices after Kennedy removed all existing panel members and replaced them with critics of longstanding vaccine guidance. The academy later joined several major medical groups in filing a lawsuit against Kennedy and HHS, arguing the administration’s actions undermine public health and vaccine confidence.
HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the grants were terminated because they no longer align with the department’s mission or priorities. Critics argue the explanation is insufficient and could expose the agency to legal risk. Vaccine policy expert Dorit Reiss noted that federal funding cannot be used to punish protected speech or advocacy.
Academy leadership said it is reviewing all available options, including further legal action, warning the sudden loss of funding could directly harm children’s health outcomes across the country.
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