Pro-Life Leaders Criticize HHS Over Planned Parenthood Funding

Photo: politico.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump administration’s Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has renewed Title X grants to Planned Parenthood for one “final” year, prompting sharp criticism from pro-life leaders who question the administration’s claim that it had no alternative.

Last year, $120 million in federal Title X “family planning” funds were frozen from organizations suspected of violating executive orders restricting involvement with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Planned Parenthood received roughly $20 million across a dozen states. In January, the American Civil Liberties Union withdrew a lawsuit challenging the freeze after U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed the organizations were not in violation, restoring funding.

White House spokesman Kush Desai confirmed that “The administration has issued the fifth and final year of Title X grants that were locked in place during the Biden presidency.” He emphasized that “Title X funds cannot be used for abortions by law and, consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order on Enforcing the Hyde Amendment, the Administration remains committed to realigning the Title X program with the President’s pro-life and pro-family agenda going forward.”

Pro-life leaders reacted strongly. Lila Rose of Live Action said, “Over 400,000 unborn children are killed by this corporation every year, making them the largest abortion chain in America. The blood of these babies cries out.” Marjorie Dannenfelser of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America added, “What this really looks like is a political calculation – a deeply misguided one.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Trump SBA challenged pandemic relief given to Planned Parenthood.

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