French Government Restores €15 Million for Pediatric Cancer Research After Backlash

The funding, initially removed from the 2025 budget, will be reinstated following widespread criticism from lawmakers and advocacy groups.

A €15 million budget for pediatric cancer research, unanimously approved by the French Parliament, was omitted from the final 2025 budget adopted under Article 49.3.
The omission sparked outrage among lawmakers, advocacy groups, and families, with critics accusing the government of prioritizing cost-cutting over children's health.
The funding was meant to support clinical trials and research programs addressing cancers that affect approximately 2,300 children annually in France, with 450 deaths each year.
Following public outcry, the government announced its commitment to reinstate the €15 million for pediatric cancer research in 2025, though details on implementation remain unclear.
Advocacy groups expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing the need for sustained attention on pediatric cancer research, particularly ahead of World Childhood Cancer Day on February 15.