Pediatric Group Sues to Protect Nearly $12 Million in Federal Grant Funding

A leading pediatrics group is taking legal action to preserve nearly $12 million in long-standing federal grant funding after the Trump administration moved to terminate the money.

The Department of Health and Human Services ended seven grants awarded to the American Academy of Pediatrics last week. The academy says the decision was retaliatory, claiming it was targeted for speaking out against administration policies the group believes threaten children’s health. Those concerns include advocacy for evidence-based vaccine policies. The academy argues the funding cuts undermine the health and safety of children nationwide. It says the grants support critical programs that help pediatricians prevent and manage serious and potentially fatal medical conditions in children. The group also warns the loss of funding would disproportionately affect pediatricians serving rural communities, where resources are already limited.