Pediatrics Group Sues HHS Over Fund Cut12/26 06:07

   

   (AP) -- The American Academy of Pediatrics sued the U.S. Department of 
Health and Human Services on Wednesday, seeking to block nearly $12 million in 
cuts to the group.

   Earlier this month, the federal government "abruptly terminated" grants to 
the group, the lawsuit says.

   The funding supported numerous public health programs, including efforts to 
prevent sudden unexpected infant death, strengthen pediatric care in rural 
communities and support teens 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," says the 
lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. "Within 
a few weeks, AAP will have to begin laying off employees dedicated to this 
critically important work."

   The suit alleges HHS made the cuts in retaliation for the doctors' group 
speaking out against the Trump administration's positions and actions.

   The doctors' group has been vocal about its support for pediatric vaccines 
and has publicly opposed HHS positions. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 
-- who helped lead the anti-vaccine movement for years -- is seeking to broadly 
remake federal policies on vaccines. Earlier this year, the pediatrics group 
released its own recommendations on COVID-19 vaccines, which substantially 
diverged from the government's recommendations.

   The group also supports access to gender-affirming care and has publicly 
criticized HHS positions on the topic, saying it opposes what it calls the 
government's infringements on the doctor-patient relationship.

   "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," Skye Perryman, 
president and CEO of Democracy Forward, said in a statement. Perryman's 
organization is representing the doctors' group in the case.

   A spokesman for HHS could not immediately be reached for comment.

   Mark Del Monte, CEO and executive vice president of the 67,000-member 
doctors' group, said the organization depends on its relationship with the 
federal government.

   "We need this partnership to advance policies that prioritize children's 
health. These vital child health programs fund services like hearing screenings 
for newborns and safe sleep campaigns to prevent sudden unexpected infant 
death," he said in a statement. "We are forced to take legal action today so 
that these programs can continue to make communities safer and healthier."