Concerns Rise Among UC Researchers and Patients as Trump Funding Cuts Recede: What It Means for Health Care – KFF Health News

In August, an 80-year-old woman arrived at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center with a stroke. Although she was alert, her situation was urgent. Doctors needed her consent to remove a clot that was damaging her brain. She paused, concerned about a freeze on research grants at UCLA and how it might impact her treatment.

According to Dr. Jeffrey Saver, a neurologist, this kind of stress shouldn’t be on a patient facing a medical emergency. “Worrying about funding should not add to the pressure patients endure,” he remarked.

The Trump administration has cut funding to several universities, claiming issues like antisemitism. This has left patients and researchers worried about the implications for critical health studies. Dr. Saver pointed out that stroke and Alzheimer’s disease affect everyone, regardless of politics. “It’s troubling that funding is linked to these controversies,” he added.

In July, significant federal grants were frozen, impacting UCLA and other institutions after accusations that they violated civil rights during protests. The freeze included $584 million in grants, putting vital research at risk. Dr. Saver and his colleagues had to find alternative funding just to keep their trials running, even offering to take pay cuts.

Despite the concern, the woman received treatment thanks to private donations. “We’re trying to ensure health decisions stay focused on patient care,” Dr. Saver said.

California Governor Gavin Newsom has openly opposed the federal actions, equating them to extortion. He has warned universities that any institution agreeing to the federal terms might lose state funding. “California won’t fund schools that compromise academic freedom,” he stated.

In September, some funding restrictions were temporarily lifted due to a court ruling, but the uncertainty remains. Experts like Jessica Levinson, a constitutional law professor, advise caution. “This band-aid fix could be short-lived; we’re not out of the woods yet,” she warned.

The disruption has also affected crucial research efforts. Dr. David Shackelford, who studies lung cancer, noted that his progress could stall from these funding issues. “It shouldn’t be about politics; it’s about saving lives,” he said.

As to alternatives, California legislators are considering a $23 billion bond aimed at supporting health research. However, this would need voter approval and wouldn’t replace the vast federal funding. Just in 2024, California received $5.1 billion from the NIH.

Overall, the freeze on research grants has put significant strain on scientists and patients alike, raising concerns over the future of medical research and care. The stakes couldn’t be higher for those relying on breakthroughs.

For further details, you can read more about the implications of politicized funding in health research through trusted sources like KFF Health News.

Source link