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Judge Restores Nearly $12 Million in AAP Grants After Finding Likely HHS Retaliation

The ruling cites evidence that the cuts followed AAP’s public break with federal vaccine guidance.

FILE - The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services building is seen, April 5, 2009, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
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Overview

  • U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell issued a preliminary injunction late Jan. 11 restoring seven CDC and HRSA grants and halting their termination during the lawsuit.
  • Howell wrote that AAP is likely to succeed on its First Amendment retaliation claim and referenced agency statements showing animus toward the group’s positions on vaccines and gender-affirming care.
  • The nearly $12 million supported programs including prevention of sudden unexpected infant death, early detection of developmental disabilities and birth defects, rural pediatric care, and support for adolescents facing substance use and mental health challenges.
  • AAP argued the Dec. 16 cancellations were punishment for its critiques of recent HHS and CDC policy changes under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.; HHS maintains the awards no longer aligned with departmental priorities.
  • The court found irreparable harm and public interest favored maintaining the programs as related legal challenges to federal vaccine-policy changes continue.