A federally funded study exploring why Black babies in Detroit are disproportionately born prematurely has been abruptly terminated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as part of a wider effort by the federal government to eliminate research tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The study, which focused on how stress associated with racism and poverty might alter gene function and contribute to adverse birth outcomes, lost its funding under a new NIH directive targeting research areas deemed inconsistent with national priorities. In termination letters sent to researchers, the NIH claimed the project relied on “artificial and non-scientific categories” linked to DEI and asserted it did not “enhance health or advance science.”
Researchers behind the project strongly contest that explanation, calling the decision politically motivated. The cancellation aligns with a broader initiative by the Trump administration to dismantle DEI initiatives across the federal government, including within health and science agencies. Numerous projects focused on minority and LGBTQ health have been defunded under the same rationale.
An internal NIH email dated March 13, from Michelle Bulls, director in the NIH Office of Policy for Extramural Research Administration, directed senior officials to issue revised Notices of Award (NOAs) formally terminating affected grants. Bulls provided termination language and a spreadsheet of canceled projects, urging officials to act swiftly. She also made clear that “hard funds restrictions” would be applied and future years of funding eliminated.
Among the targeted research areas were studies focused on DEI, gender identity, vaccine hesitancy, and those affiliated with Chinese institutions. According to NIH guidance, DEI-based research “provides low returns on investment” and may support “unlawful discrimination.” Gender identity studies were called “unscientific,” while research into vaccine hesitancy was dismissed as “not benefiting the American people.”
The Detroit-based study’s termination has sparked concern among medical professionals and community health leaders. Dr. Alex Peahl, an OB-GYN at the University of Michigan and co-director of the Partnering for the Future Clinic (which serves pregnant patients dealing with opioid and other substance use) warned of the far-reaching impact.
“Health-related social needs are health care,” Peahl told NPR. “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.”
Peahl noted that access to prenatal care is deeply tied to social determinants like transportation and food security—stressors the defunded study was directly examining. “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 said.
Despite the NIH’s actions, a federal judge recently ruled that the agency’s cuts to minority health research were illegal. That ruling could face appeal, and its outcome may determine whether similar projects can be reinstated.
In the meantime, the research team in Detroit is scrambling to secure private funding to continue its work, even as the NIH stated in its termination notices that its decision is final unless formally appealed within 30 days.
