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This is Science Friday. I'm Flora Lichten. Today in the podcast, what banning federal efforts

around diversity, equity, and inclusion means for science and medicine.

I lose sleep at night worrying about the impact on women's health research and on reproductive health research.

On President Trump's first day in office, he ended what he calls, quote,

illegal and immoral discrimination programs, referencing diversity, equity, and inclusion

in the federal government.

Today we're talking about the ramifications of that order for science and medicine.

Things are changing fast. Last week, a federal judge in Maryland temporarily blocked parts

of the DEI purge from being carried out. But at the same time,

federal research agencies have already started making changes. For example, the NIH suddenly closed

applications for grants focused on promoting diversity within science. The agency has canceled

studies mid-project, like one on LGBTQ cancer patients. The CDC took down resources

for HIV prevention, trans health, contraception, and more. The FDA pulled its guidance on the

importance of having some diversity in clinical trials, like to test drugs and medical devices.

So what does banning DEI mean for medical research? And what does it

mean for our health? Joining me to discuss are Dr. Rachel Hardiman, Director of the Center for

Anti-Racism Research for Health and Equity and Professor at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

And Dr. Melissa Simon, OBGYN and professor at Northwestern Medicine, and director of the Center for

Health Equity Transformation in Chicago.

Welcome to you both to Science Friday.

Thank you.

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