Planned Parenthood to withdraw from Title X if Ninth Circuit does not act News
Planned Parenthood to withdraw from Title X if Ninth Circuit does not act

Planned Parenthood on Thursday issued a letter to the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit expressing the pressing need for emergency action to address an impending Title X deadline set by the Trump administration.

Title X funds are set to be restricted for family planning clinics that continue to provide abortion care or even mention abortion care as a referral option. This funding cut-off is set to force clinics to choose between closing due to inadequate funds or offering limited services despite the fact that abortion care remains safe and legal. A written statement of intended compliance with this “gag rule” is due August 19, to comply with HHS’ recent Title X Final Rule.

The letter implores the Ninth Circuit to recognize the urgent need for the en banc hearing as soon as possible. Planned Parenthood is seeking emergency relief to continue the funding of facilities that offer abortion care as a family planning option.

Planned Parenthood grantees have already stopped using Title X funds to provide services to their patients, but they have not formally withdrawn from the Title X program. Without judicial relief, Planned Parenthood is set to leave Title X on Monday.