NIH Vigils Newsletter 12/21/2025
Updates for the Week of December 20, 2025
Unethical Experimentation on African Newborns
CDC has awarded the University of Southern Denmark $1.6M to test hepatitis B vaccine in newborns in Guinea-Bissau. This study doesn’t meet ethical standards for human subjects research. It randomly denies newborns in an under-resourced country a life-saving vaccine that is widely known and accepted to be safe and effective.
A Problematic HHS Health Diplomat
Bethany Kozma, who now leads the HHS Office of Global Affairs, has spoken out extensively and vehemently against transgender rights, women’s rights, climate change, and abortion access. In her new role, she will influence U.S. health policy approaches in other countries.
More Attacks on Transgender Care for Minors
Hospitals providing gender-affirming care for minors will not be able to receive Medicare and Medicaid funding, forcing hospitals to exclude this care or risk closure. FDA sent warning letters to manufacturers of chest binders, and NIH says it will no longer fund research on gender transition.
HHS Cuts Funding to American Academy of Pediatrics
The American Academy of Pediatrics has been a vocal critic of recommendations coming from the new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices under RFK, Jr. In retaliation, HHS stripped AAP funding for initiatives addressing topics including sudden infant death syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and early identification of autism.
Integrity of National Science Foundation Review Under Attack
Facing a massive application backlog and staffing shortages, the National Science Foundation is streamlining its grant review process. The agency now requires only two reviews instead of three and permits internal staff to conduct one of those evaluations. Review summaries will be shortened. This change raises concerns about merit, oversight, and favoritism.
Other Forms of Retribution: Civil Servant Performance Metrics
The White House wants to cap career advancement and bonuses for civil servants by implementing "forced distribution" quotas on performance metrics. The plan limits high ratings (despite existing laws that forbid “curving”), makes it easier to fire people, and encourages political loyalty over merit.
Calls to Action
Maryland Graduate Worker Collective Bargaining Rights
A supermajority of University of Maryland graduate workers have organized to form a union, yet still require state legislation to legally secure their collective bargaining rights. Despite their essential role in the university's teaching and research, these workers face low pay, instability, and no formal voice to negotiate improvements. A supportive bill passed the House, yet the Senate version stalled, leaving UMD graduate workers behind. Please support UMD graduate worker rights by signing the petition.
Help Shape the Future of American Science
The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy invites comments and suggestions for accelerating U.S. scientific progress. You can provide input on funding, innovation, and research policies, in areas ranging from improving public-private collaboration, translating discoveries into market-ready technologies, and removing barriers to high-risk, high-reward research. Respond by December 26, 2025.
Continue to Call Your Representatives
In addition to defending science funding, healthcare, NIH, and former and current staff, please argue for an informed, scientific, data-driven ACIP panel and support hepatitis B vaccination at birth. When calling elected officials, please mention support for the SBIR/STTR program.
Mutual Aid Resources
27 uNIHted is compiling a nationwide list of mutual aid resources for federal workers. If you learn of resources, please submit them!
A Special Note
Allstrike’s next live performance will be today, Sunday, 12/21 at 7:00 p.m. at DC’s Dew Drop Inn!
Please feel free to share this newsletter with people and groups you think would be interested.
Keep up the good trouble, and stay safe out there.
In solidarity,
NIH Vigils
Saturdays, 10:00 a.m., Medical Center Metro Station in front of the NIH Visitors Center.
Accessible parking is available at the Park and Ride. We recommend taking the Metro in. There is ample free parking at Grosvenor/Strathmore station one stop away.
This event is not sponsored by the NIH and views shared do not represent the NIH or the federal government.