U.S. Dept of Health Slashes Millions in Funding to American Academy of Pediatrics
- The HHS, under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., canceled multiple grants totaling millions of dollars to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
- The canceled grants supported essential pediatric health initiatives such as early autism detection, SIDS prevention programs, rural healthcare services, and mental and adolescent health programs.
- The AAP says the cuts could "potentially harm infants, children, youth, and their families" and is considering legal action against the HHS.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has cancelled millions of dollars in grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) without warning, a decision that could have significant implications for pediatric healthcare delivery nationwide.
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On December 17, 2025, HHS under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. terminated seven grants supporting critical pediatric programs, citing a misalignment with "the Department's mission or priorities," according to an HHS spokesperson.
The Guardian has reported that the HHS pointed to "identity-based language" as part of the issues the organization found with the AAP, including references to racial disparities and using the gender-neutral term "pregnant people."
What Did the Cancelled Grants Cover?
The cancelled funding included three grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and four from the Health Resources and Services Administration, which encompasses programs such as:
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) prevention
- Early autism detection
- Mental health services
- Adolescent health programs
- Rural healthcare access
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder prevention
AAP CEO Mark Del Monte expressed concern about the immediate consequences of these funding cuts: "The sudden withdrawal of these funds will directly impact and potentially harm infants, children, youth, and their families in communities across the United States," according to Reuters.
How Will The Cancelled Funds Affect Care?
Prior to these cancellations, the AAP had received $18.4 million in federal funding from HHS in 2025, according to government records cited by Reuters. This substantial funding reduction will likely affect numerous programs that nurses participate in or coordinate.
Del Monte added that the AAP is exploring "all available options," including legal recourse in response to the cuts.
“The AAP remains committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of all infants, children, adolescents and young adults," he noted.
What Can Nurses Do?
Nurses should prepare for potential changes to established protocols as programs face funding shortfalls. Those working in pediatric settings might need to:
- Identify alternative resources for patient education materials previously provided through grant-funded programs
- Develop contingency plans for continuing screening programs with reduced support
- Stay informed about evolving federal health policies affecting pediatric care
- Consider community partnerships to sustain critical prevention efforts
The AAP first learned of these cancellations earlier this week, according to Del Monte, meaning the full impact on specific programs is still emerging.
The timing of these cancellations occurs amid escalating tensions between the AAP and HHS leadership. The professional organization has publicly opposed several of Kennedy's recent policy decisions, including his June 2025 dismissal of the CDC's vaccine advisory panel.
Additionally, in August 2025, the AAP recommended COVID-19 vaccines for young children despite conflicting CDC guidance, and in October, rejected routine use of leucovorin for autism treatment despite Kennedy's promotion of the vitamin B9 supplement.
🤔Nurses, what do you think about these cuts? Share your thoughts below.
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