Position Statements
Position Statements
Explore the official position statements of the American College of Pediatricians. These documents provide evidence-based perspectives and guidance on key topics in child health, family life, and medical ethics. Stay informed about ACPeds’ viewpoints on important pediatric and family issues.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) affirms that human life begins at fertilization, also called conception. The exact biological moment that a human life begins is at the moment of sperm-egg fusion. At fertilization, the human being emerges as a whole, genetically distinct, individuated zygotic living human organism, a member of the species Homo sapiens, needing only the proper environment in order to grow and develop. The difference between a human being in the adult stage and in the zygotic stage is one of maturational form and abilities, but both are equally human. Every human being has inestimable value and is worthy of protection from fertilization until natural death.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) has studied the medical research documenting the immaturity of the adolescent brain, especially as related to decision-making, and affirms the need for parental supervision and monitoring as adolescents navigate this developmental stage. Adolescence is a culturally defined period of human maturation involving secondary sexual characteristics and mental capacities that distinguish adults from children.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) recognizes that adolescent depression is a serious public health concern with increasing numbers of adolescents experiencing feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or depression. Depressive episodes are associated with negative consequences such as academic difficulties, poor peer and family relationships, increased involvement in high-risk behaviors, self-injury and suicide.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) supports the care and protection of human individuals from the moment of fertilization, when membranes of sperm and ovum unite, until natural death.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) follows the Hippocratic Oath and affirms that any abortion, including chemical abortion, takes the life of a human being and is therefore unethical. Physicians should not intentionally take any human life. Additionally, ACPeds affirms that chemical abortion endangers women’s health and safety.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) affirms every child’s need of loving discipline which is validated by research demonstrating improved socialization and character development when children are raised by loving, authoritative parents who set standards of behavior while also providing a nurturing, responsive environment.
“Emergency contraception” refers to chemicals, drugs, or devices (usually the hormonal drugs ulipristal or levonorgestrel) that are ingested or inserted after intercourse and prior to the recognition of pregnancy with the goal of preventing a recognizable pregnancy. The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) opposes the use of so-called ”emergency contraceptives” (EC) in adolescent patients for the reasons discussed below.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) affirms the scientific research demonstrating the benefits to children and families when they participate in the “Family Table” — enjoying meals and conversation together. Over the past several decades, family time and conversation at mealtimes has declined so that families with children under age 18 are having fewer meals together, and there is more distraction when eating together due to the use of digital devices.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) affirms that it is unethical to intentionally harm an innocent human being even in the absence of the individual’s ability to perceive pain. Laboratory evidence and clinical practice during fetal surgery suggest that as early as 15 weeks gestation noxious stimulation negatively affects immature human beings.
A healthcare professional’s freedom to practice according to his or her conscience has long been a respected and enduring privilege.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) affirms the medical fact that the sex of an individual is based upon an immutable, genetically-determined biological reality.1 The two sexes, male and female, are defined by reproductive design.
Genetics is the primary driver of sex differences, and these differences begin at fertilization when genes that are present on the X and Y chromosomes start to direct the development of the new individual.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) affirms children living with their married, biological parents consistently have better physical, emotional, and academic well-being (unless the children are experiencing an abusive environment). Although the demographics of families are changing, with more parents opting for cohabitation or divorce and stepparenting, the research continues to demonstrate the benefits of the married environment for children’s development.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) affirms that parents provide the foundational role of support, nurturance, and guidance for their children.1 That role includes the fundamental right to direct the child’s upbringing. It is essential that society supports parents by respecting their natural right and legal authority to make decisions for their children, including educational and medical decisions. Parents, in this context, include biological and adoptive parents, as well as state-appointed guardians and custodial grandparents.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) affirms that the consumption of pornography (depiction of erotic behavior or images to cause sexual excitement) negatively impacts the physical, psychological, emotional and social health of adults, children, and families. Viewing pornography has become pervasive even among young children and can be highly addictive.
Recreational Drugs in the United States include marijuana, opioids, tobacco, psychedelics, etc. In varying forms they have been smoked, vaped, snorted, injected and ingested.
The American College of Pediatricians believes that teaching children about the design for sex (sexual intimacy), the biology of sex, the ethics of sex, when and how much sexual intimacy is appropriate, and the consequences of sexual relations are all primarily the responsibility of parents. Religious communities, schools, and pediatricians have a role in assisting parents with accurate information, reinforcing parental values, and encouraging behaviors that lead to the best long-term outcomes.
The American College of Pediatricians (ACPeds) affirms limiting screen time due to the negative effect of excessive screen time and early use of screen time on the health of children and adolescents. All forms of media, especially visual media, play an increasing role in the lives of children, adolescents, and families in the United States. While very limited use of high-quality and developmentally appropriate media under adult supervision may have a positive influence after two years of age, excessive or developmentally inappropriate use carries grave health risks.
