NIH Pulls Funding from Key Study on Premature Births Among Black Babies in Detroit
An important study investigating the high rates of premature births among Black infants in Detroit has lost its funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This federal research project was exploring the effects of stress from racism and poverty on genetic functions and birth outcomes.
The NIH justified the funding withdrawal by criticizing the study’s use of “artificial and non-scientific categories” related to diversity, equity, and inclusion, stating these did not contribute to health improvements or scientific progress.
Many researchers believe the defunding aligns with a broader agenda by the Trump administration to dismantle DEI initiatives, which includes cutting funds for research focusing on minority and LGBTQ health issues.
The affected research team is now seeking private funding to continue their work. Meanwhile, a federal judge recently ruled that the NIH’s cuts to minority health research are illegal, although an appeal could follow.
Dr. Alex Peahl, an OB-GYN at the University of Michigan and co-director of the Partnering For the Future Clinic, noted the broader implications of these policy decisions. She stated, “Health-related social needs are health care. And if we want to improve the health of pregnant people and their families, we have to care for every part of their lives, not just the clinical pieces.”
Dr. Peahl further emphasized that access to healthcare is intricately linked with basic necessities like transportation and food security, factors that contribute to the stressors being examined in the study. “Health-related social needs alter patients’ ability to access and engage in care. It is really hard to come to your prenatal visit if you don’t have a car, or to take a medication if you don’t have food on the table,” she added.
With federal funding no longer available, the researchers are actively looking for private financial support to sustain their critical research efforts.
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