Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act This bill prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from awarding family planning grants to entities that perform abortions or provide funding to other entities that perform abortions. To receive a grant, an entity must certify it will refrain from those activities during the grant period. The bill provides exceptions for abortions (1) in cases of rape or incest; or (2) when the life of the woman is in danger due to a physical disorder, injury, or illness. It also exempts hospitals unless they provide funds to non-hospital entities that provide abortions. HHS must report annually on this prohibition.
If enacted, this bill would significantly alter the landscape of public health funding related to family planning. Organizations currently receiving federal grants under Title X would need to adhere strictly to these prohibitions or risk losing funding. This may diminish access to comprehensive reproductive health services for many individuals, particularly in areas where nonprofit clinics could be impacted by this financial restriction.
House Bill 330, known as the Title X Abortion Provider Prohibition Act, aims to amend Title X of the Public Health Service Act by barring family planning grants from being awarded to any entity that performs abortions or provides funds to other entities that do so. The bill stipulates that to receive funds, organizations must certify that they will abstain from performing abortions for the duration of the grant. It includes exceptions in cases of rape, incest, or when a woman's life is endangered due to a medical condition related to the pregnancy.
The bill has been surrounded by notable opposition and support. Proponents claim it reinforces the moral foundations of public healthcare spending, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not used to fund abortions. On the other hand, opponents argue that it could severely restrict access to vital healthcare services, particularly in underserved communities. Concerns have been raised about the negative implications for women's health and autonomy, as well as the potential for fewer available healthcare providers in critical areas. The requirement for annual reports regarding entity compliance adds another layer of regulatory oversight that supporters believe is necessary for accountability.