Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, along with 20 other attorneys general, has sent a letter to the Trump Administration expressing concern over the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' decision to withhold millions in Title X funding. Title X is the only federal program dedicated to providing family planning services to low-income and uninsured individuals.
According to the coalition's letter, the withholding of funds could result in more unintended pregnancies, increased rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), undiagnosed HIV, cervical cancer, and stress on state budgets. They urged HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to reverse the decision and restore funding.
Attorney General Platkin stated, "Withholding Title X funding puts at risk the health of low-income individuals across the country. These misguided actions directly harm poor and rural communities, making it even harder for them to access critical healthcare services." He emphasized the importance of reversing the decision, stating, "Income should never determine anyone’s access to family planning services, cancer screenings, STI prevention, and other essential health services."
Several states, including California, Hawai‘i, and Maine, are experiencing a complete cessation of Title X funds. Other states, like New Jersey, may face funding cuts soon. This situation forces states to try to cover the shortfall, which could lead to reduced services as clinics close and healthcare providers are affected. Title X clinics often provide essential prenatal and STI screening services, especially in rural areas.
The letter from the attorneys general also highlighted past instances where changes to Title X led to diminished healthcare access. In 2019, a rule change under the Trump Administration resulted in a 60% drop in patients receiving Title X services. The Guttmacher Institute estimates that HHS's current action could lead to 834,000 patients losing care in the first year.
The attorneys general argue that the states will suffer due to these funding cuts. They cite the example of Title X's role in detecting and preventing STIs, noting that many women sought treatment at Title X clinics from 2006 to 2010. The letter contests HHS's reasoning, stating, "HHS suggested Title X grantees violated federal civil rights laws, HHS has provided absolutely no evidence supporting this suggestion."
The coalition of attorneys general includes representatives from states such as Arizona, California, and New York. A copy of their letter can be found with further details on their collective stance.
