Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, alongside a coalition of 21 other attorneys general, has secured a nationwide preliminary injunction in the case of Massachusetts v. NIH. This legal action prevents the Trump Administration, along with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), from withdrawing billions in funding for medical and public health research across universities and research institutions nationwide.
AG Campbell emphasized the significance of this decision, stating, “This is a major win for research institutions across the country – in both red and blue states – that rely on NIH funding to conduct innovative research, as well as for the individuals and families who depend on these medical advancements to improve and even save their lives.” She further added, “We will not play politics with our residents’ public health, and we do this work to protect our residents, including children, regardless of their party or demographic.”
The injunction ensures that crucial funds supporting biomedical research remain intact. These funds cover essential costs such as lab operations, faculty salaries, infrastructure maintenance, and utilities. The loss of such funding could jeopardize the United States' leadership in medical research innovation.
On February 10th, shortly after AG Campbell's lawsuit was filed against the administration, a temporary restraining order was issued by a judge in the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts. This order barred any attempts by NIH to cut critical research funding. The current preliminary injunction replaces that restraining order and will stay effective until a final court ruling is made.
The NIH plays a vital role as the main federal source for medical research funding in the U.S., contributing to numerous scientific breakthroughs like cancer treatments and DNA sequencing. Many scientists supported by NIH grants have received Nobel Prizes for their contributions to science.
This lawsuit is being co-led by attorneys general from Massachusetts, Illinois, and Michigan. Other states involved include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York North Carolina Oregon Rhode Island Vermont Washington Wisconsin.