The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has lost federal funding for several health-related grants after the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) determined that the programs no longer align with the administration’s priorities, according to statements released Wednesday.
HHS confirmed that it has terminated seven grants previously awarded to the AAP, an organization representing more than 67,000 pediatricians across the United States. The cancellations reportedly amount to millions of dollars in federal funding and were first reported by The Washington Post.
Child Health Programs Affected
AAP Chief Executive Officer Mark Del Monte said the terminated grants supported a wide range of child and adolescent health initiatives, including efforts to:
- Reduce sudden infant death
- Improve rural access to pediatric health care
- Address youth mental health and adolescent well-being
- Support children with birth defects
- Improve early identification of autism
- Prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Del Monte warned that the sudden loss of funding could directly impact families and children nationwide, particularly in underserved communities.
“The Academy is proud of this work,” Del Monte said, adding that the organization is exploring all available options, including legal recourse, in response to the decision.
HHS Cites Shift in Priorities
An HHS spokesperson said the AAP is one of several medical organizations affected by funding cuts. According to the department, the grants were ended because they no longer align with the department’s mission or priorities under current leadership.
HHS priorities have recently emphasized areas such as addressing chronic disease, studying environmental toxins, reassessing public health guidance, expanding autism research, and reviewing federal policies related to gender, race, and medical research practices.
Ongoing Conflict Over Vaccine Policy
The funding decision comes amid long-standing tensions between the AAP and HHS leadership, particularly over childhood vaccination policies.
Earlier this year, the AAP publicly disagreed with federal health officials over revised recommendations that shifted some childhood vaccines toward shared clinical decision-making rather than universal guidance. The organization has also criticized recent changes to federal recommendations regarding the hepatitis B birth dose for newborns.
AAP President Dr. Susan Kressly said the changes have created confusion for families and clinicians, especially during periods of heightened disease transmission.
“Families deserve thoughtful, evidence-based guidance,” Kressly said, warning that unclear messaging could put vulnerable children at risk.
Legal Challenge Continues
On Wednesday, a coalition of medical organizations led by the AAP appeared in federal court in Massachusetts, arguing that recent vaccine-related decisions violate federal administrative law and advisory committee requirements.
The case centers on whether changes to immunization recommendations followed proper legal procedures and whether the plaintiffs have standing to challenge those actions.
Despite the funding cuts, the AAP said it remains committed to advocating for child health through both clinical work and legal channels.
