Trump Administration Strikes at Planned Parenthood: Cuts to Contraception and STI Testing Grants

The Trump administration’s recent decision to withhold over $27 million in Title X funding for Planned Parenthood clinics could impact more than 1 million individuals seeking essential healthcare services, according to estimates from the Guttmacher Institute. These services include contraception and testing for sexually transmitted diseases and cancer.

State affiliates of Planned Parenthood reported being informed that their Title X funding will be temporarily frozen, as first reported by Politico. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) stated it is currently reviewing all Title X grant recipients to ensure compliance with federal law and the administration’s executive orders.

Concerns have been raised regarding compliance among several awardees who collectively receive $27.5 million in federal funds. An HHS spokesperson emphasized that all federal funding recipients are expected to adhere to legal standards, which include recent executive orders prohibiting certain diversity initiatives.

According to Amy Friedrich-Karnik, Guttmacher’s director of federal policy, the rationale for the funding freeze is questionable. “The entire point of the Title X program is to address disparities in access to contraception and sexual health care,” she said. “This is a direct attack on health equity.”

Established in 1970, the Title X program aims to enhance reproductive healthcare access. Federal funds cannot be used for abortion, and Planned Parenthood clinics primarily offer non-abortion services. No definitive decisions have yet been reached regarding the allocation of Title X funds.

Notifications were received by affiliates in states such as Alaska, California, and Missouri, representing significant funding serving thousands of clients each year. Data from Guttmacher indicates that 83% of visitors at Title X-funded clinics in 2023 had household incomes at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.

In states like Missouri and Oklahoma, Title X funding totals nearly $8.5 million, highlighting the critical role these funds play in providing sexual and reproductive healthcare. Michelle Trupiano, executive director of Missouri Family Health Council, expressed concern, stating, “Withholding these critical funds threatens essential healthcare services communities depend on.”

Kat Mavengere from Maine Family Planning confirmed a funding freeze affecting $1.92 million, citing compliance concerns related to a commitment to health equity displayed on their website. Nicole Clegg, CEO of the Northern New England Planned Parenthood affiliate, discussed the potential consequences of depriving communities of basic reproductive health services, noting alarming trends in STI transmission and unintended pregnancies when clinics close.

A recent Perry Undem poll indicated a strong opposition among the public to the funding cuts, with 77% of respondents against limiting access to services like birth control for low-income individuals. Notably, during his first term, Trump had previously restricted Title X funds, which led to a significant number of clinics leaving the program. The Biden administration later reversed these policies.

Upcoming legal proceedings may further shape the funding landscape. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to review a case regarding South Carolina’s ability to exclude Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program due to abortion services, a decision that could influence similar actions in other states.

Meanwhile, anti-abortion organizations have praised the funding freeze, seeing it as a significant victory. Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America expressed gratitude to President Trump for the action and urged continued efforts to eliminate taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood.