Family planning groups sue HHS over Title X funding rules
10 reported
The National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association and a Pennsylvania family planning organization filed a lawsuit Thursday against the U.S. Health and Human Services agency, alleging it is politicizing the Title X grant program and violating the intent of the law. The lawsuit challenges the 2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Title X, which requires applicants to first meet an “alignment review” based on HHS priorities that include ending diversity, equity and inclusion efforts and gender-affirming care. The complaint states that the decision regarding an applicant’s eligibility cannot be appealed. Attorneys from the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union and the national ACLU are representing the plaintiffs. The case is assigned to U.S. District Judge Yvette Kane, an appointee of former Democratic President Bill Clinton. A hearing for the case will likely be scheduled in the coming weeks.
What’s reported
The lawsuit was filed Thursday against the U.S. Health and Human Services agency.
Plaintiffs are the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association and the Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania.
The Family Health Council is a network of 19 service providers across 24 counties serving more than 31,000 low-income residents annually.
The 2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Title X was released in April; applications are due by January.
Applicants must first meet an “alignment review” based on HHS priorities, including ending DEI efforts and gender-affirming care.
The eligibility decision cannot be appealed.
Title X, established under President Richard Nixon, prohibits using funds for abortion services.
The complaint says the new process favors providers with a religious mission, such as crisis pregnancy centers or Catholic healthcare organizations.
The funding notice shifts focus from expanding access to contraception to strengthening “family formation” and “achieving healthy pregnancies.”
Clinics are instructed to prioritize natural family planning methods like menstrual cycle tracking.
Key figures
Clare Coleman, president and CEO of the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association
U.S. District Judge Yvette Kane, appointee of former President Bill Clinton
Kelcie Moseley-Morris, Stateline reporter
Sources: stateline.org
