The announcement in March 2025 regarding international public health programs marks a setback for global childhood vaccinations. This action, coupled with previous cuts to U.S. AID programs providing essential nutrition, raises concerns about the U.S.’s commitment to children’s well-being, both domestically and internationally. The administration’s stance also affects the support for disease prevention within the U.S.
A review of policies enacted over the past few years reveals a trend detrimental to children across various sectors. These policies seem to reflect the influence of fringe groups and politicians rather than established pediatric and educational principles, impacting areas like infection control, education, nutrition, healthcare, and environmental protection.
The media now frequently reports on the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases. However, vaccinations have historically been considered a public health imperative, not merely a personal choice, to ensure national safety. Despite the majority of Americans (approximately 70%) supporting mandatory vaccinations, according to a January 2025 report by the Annenberg Public Policy Center (APPC), measles outbreaks are occurring due to the influence of a well-funded movement advocating for vaccine exemptions and the relaxation of school vaccination requirements.
The appointment of RFK Jr. to a high-ranking position at Health and Human Services (HHS) has dismayed many physicians. The consequences of fringe medical viewpoints are evident in the rising number of measles cases, hospitalizations, and reported cases of complications following measles infections. The lack of a strong federal response to the increasing measles cases raises concerns about the potential normalization of childhood deaths from the disease.
The recent reduction in CDC funding will negatively affect health departments nationwide, impacting both COVID-19 relief efforts and state pediatric vaccine programs. Planned reductions in funding will also hinder vaccination programs and disease surveillance. Consequently, children in the U.S. face increased risks of preventable infections, leading to potential medical, educational, economic, and lifelong consequences. The nation may witness the resurgence of vaccine-preventable illnesses.
Pediatric healthcare is facing unprecedented challenges. Many Americans may not realize that a significant portion of children are covered by Medicaid. Proposed cuts to Medicaid are purportedly aimed at reducing waste, fraud, and abuse, but reports suggest that these issues are not as widespread as claimed. The existing shortages in healthcare providers will likely worsen with provider payment cuts. The question arises: what alternatives are being proposed to ensure pediatric healthcare access if Medicaid is reduced?
Furthermore, there is a concerning shortage of pediatric dentists, particularly affecting children on Medicaid. The scientifically unsound opposition to water fluoridation represents another example of an anti-pediatric initiative to dismantle a public health measure. There is ample evidence that fluoridation effectively reduces dental cavities. The anti-fluoridation movement has not proposed alternative cavity prevention strategies, such as fluoride supplements or varnishes, to promote pediatric dental health or improve access to pediatric dental care.
It is also a harsh reality that many children rely on federally funded nutrition programs to avoid hunger. The National School Lunch Program, administered by the United States Department of Agriculture, provides billions of dollars in funding for school lunch programs, serving millions of children across the US. However, this program is facing budget cuts. Moreover, the elimination of the local farmer procurement program, despite RFK Jr.’s support for local agriculture, undermines efforts to provide nutritious, locally sourced options in school lunches.
This analysis does not even address the significant impact of cuts to reproductive care on children. Emerging data highlights the correlation between limited access to reproductive care and adverse birth outcomes, including increased rates of premature births and infant mortality. Despite the need for increased education to prevent unintended pregnancies, there are attempts to restrict access to reproductive care in numerous states.
Much attention has been given to the mental health challenges facing children. While the proliferation of social media is often blamed, mental health issues are multifaceted, influenced by societal stress, political and cultural divisions, and environmental degradation.
Decades of climate change have impacted society. There is a valid need to regulate environmental toxins in air, water, and food, and to address the health consequences of climate change. Numerous studies indicate that environmental issues disproportionately affect children. Concerns have been raised as states roll back environmental protections, impacting children’s health and future.
At the state level, proposed laws threaten to weaken child labor laws in response to workforce shortages caused by immigration policies. The legislation could permit children as young as 14 to work overnight shifts during school days.
While any single policy change impacting infection prevention, nutrition, education, healthcare, or the environment could have significant consequences, the combined effect of multiple policies implemented simultaneously could be devastating.
In 1963, President Kennedy stated, “For, in the final analysis, our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal.”
Amidst the political turmoil, it is time to consider when America stopped cherishing its children.
Are we prepared for the answer and the consequences?