The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) filed a lawsuit Wednesday against the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to block the cancellation of nearly $12 million in federal grants.

The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in the District of Columbia and alleges that the funds were abruptly withdrawn earlier this month without a clear administrative justification.

Programs at Risk

According to the AAP, the canceled funding supported dozens of public health programs focused on preventing sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), strengthening pediatric care in rural communities, and supporting adolescents with mental health and substance use problems.

In the lawsuit, the organization warns that it has no alternative sources to replace these resources and will therefore be forced to suspend essential programs and begin laying off staff in the coming weeks.

Allegations of Political Retaliation

The court document states that the HHS acted in retaliation against the AAP for expressing positions contrary to the Trump administration's policies, especially regarding pediatric vaccinations and healthcare, which the AAP claims... gender.

The Academy has publicly defended childhood vaccination and has published its own recommendations on the COVID-19 vaccine that differ from those issued by the federal government. It has also criticized what it considers interference by the Executive Branch in the doctor-patient relationship.

Response from the AAP and its lawyers

Skye Perryman, president of Democracy Forward—the organization that legally represents the AAP—,He asserted that the government was using federal funds “as a political weapon” to punish freedom of expression and silence one of the most influential medical voices advocating for children's health. For his part, Mark Del Monte, executive director of the AAP, emphasized that cooperation with the federal government is key to promoting public policies that protect children. “These programs fund vital services such as newborn hearing screenings and safe sleep campaigns,” he noted. Official Silence: As of the time of publication, the Department of Health and Human Services had not commented on the lawsuit or the accusations of retaliation made by the medical organization. The AAP represents some 67,000 pediatricians across the United States and maintains that the continuation of these programs is crucial for the safety and well-being of millions of children and adolescents.

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