Trump Signs Bill That Threatens Health Care Protections for 4 Million Title X Family Planning Patients

The bill signed by President Trump today does not “defund” Planned Parenthood (that is a separate issue). However, this latest move could embolden states to try to block access to health care through Title X, both Planned Parenthood health centers and independent clinics.

Here's the thing: Too many people face barriers to health care — especially young people, people of color, those who live in rural areas, and people with low incomes — for such blatant attacks on reproductive health.

But this is just the latest in a string of attacks on reproductive health and rights. In fact, Republican leaders have spent the past three months trading away women’s health and rights at every turn. It's clear that we are facing the worst political attack on women’s health in a generation. 

Take action to protect access to reproductive health.

Timeline of Attacks

• In January, the Obama administration moved to protect the Title X program and the more than 4 million people who rely on it for preventive health care.

• After the inauguration, the federal government fell into the hands of extremist lawmakers who have tried for years to cut people off from reproductive care. 

• On March 30, 2017, anti-women's health politicians in the Senate moved to demolish the Obama administration's protections. They were one vote short — so, Vice President Pence rushed over to push this outrageous bill through. That's right: The vote was tied 50-50 until Vice President Pence cast the deciding vote. 

Impact of the Bill

The White House and extremists in Congress just made it harder for women to get the essential, basic health care they need to survive and to thrive.  This dangerous bill emboldens states to prevent use of Title X funds at a health center just because it also provides safe, legal abortion. 

“People are sick and tired of politicians making it even harder for them to access health care, and this bill is just the latest example. Planned Parenthood strongly opposes President Trump’s willingness to undermine millions of women’s access to birth control through the Title X family planning program. Four million people depend on the Title X family planning program, and by signing this bill, President Trump disregards their health and well-being.

—Dawn Laguens, Executive Vice President of Planned Parenthood Federation of America

About Title X

Title X provides basic preventive health care for millions of people with low incomes or without health insurance. Title X is the only federal program dedicated solely to family planning. 

Learn everything you need to know about Title X.

Take Action

In case it wasn’t clear, Pence and his allies in Congress are dead set on dismantling access to health care and protections for women wherever they can — no matter how many people they hurt, and no matter how unpopular it is. Take action to protect access to reproductive health.