Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a final rule requiring that Title X funds may not be used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning.
Title X explicitly states that no Title X funds “shall be used in programs where abortion is a method of family planning.” The final rule requires physical and financial separation of Title X projects and the provision and promotion of abortion.
“Americans United for Life is pleased that HHS has taken steps to stop Title X funds from subsidizing abortion,” said Catherine Glenn Foster, AUL President & CEO. “It is AUL’s long-time policy position that funds appropriated or controlled by the federal and state governments should be allocated away from the subsidization of elective abortion providers and toward comprehensive and preventive women’s health care.”
AUL submitted a Comment in support of the proposed rule explaining why the Title X regulations are constitutional, as well as sound public policy.
In 1991 in Rust v. Sullivan, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld very similar regulations, holding that because there is no right to government funding, the government could condition receipt of federal funds on foregoing providing and promoting abortion.
Rachel Morrison, AUL Litigation Counsel, explains: “In a time when there are so many allegations of abuse and misuse of government funds, it is important for the government to maintain transparency, accountability, and integrity to ensure the legal and ethical use of taxpayer dollars. This bright-line final rule does just that by taking the steps necessary to ensure compliance and accountability with Title X’s statutory purpose and goals.”
