Expanding Access to Family Planning Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Davids, Sharice [D-KS-3]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Apr 9, 2025
Bottom line
This bill significantly increases and stabilizes federal funding for Title X family planning services and related infrastructure, while codifying specific requirements for nondirective pregnancy counseling.
What it actually does
This bill establishes a new "Title X Clinic Fund" within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and appropriates $562 million annually for ten fiscal years (FY2026-2035) to expand and sustain family planning services. The funding is divided between grants for services and infrastructure improvements for Title X clinics, and it includes specific conditions for funding recipients, such as mandatory nondirective pregnancy counseling.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill ensures robust, sustained funding for essential family planning and preventive health services, which are critical for public health and reproductive autonomy. They emphasize that Title X clinics provide low-income individuals with access to contraception, STI testing, cancer screenings, and nondirective counseling, preventing unintended pregnancies and improving health outcomes. The dedicated infrastructure funding would also modernize facilities, enhancing service delivery and capacity.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that the bill allocates excessive federal funds to organizations that may provide or refer for abortion services, even with the nondirective counseling clause, which they view as contrary to their moral objections. They may also contend that such a significant increase in funding is fiscally irresponsible or that family planning services should be funded through other mechanisms or private sources, rather than through direct federal appropriations.
The bill is very short and clearly written, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand its core provisions quickly.
Section 2(a)
Creation of Title X Clinic Fund
This provision establishes a dedicated fund within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) specifically for Title X family planning clinics. The fund's purpose is to provide expanded and sustained national investment in these clinics, ensuring a stable source of federal support for their operations and services over a ten-year period.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that a dedicated fund ensures consistent and predictable funding for Title X, allowing clinics to plan long-term and avoid disruptions caused by annual appropriations battles. This stability is crucial for maintaining and expanding access to care.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that creating a new dedicated fund bypasses the regular appropriations process, potentially reducing congressional oversight over how these funds are allocated and spent annually.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between ensuring stable funding for essential services and maintaining traditional congressional oversight through the annual appropriations process.
Section 2(b)(1)
Enhanced Funding for Title X Grants and Contracts
This provision appropriates $512,000,000 annually for ten fiscal years (FY2026 through FY2035) for grants and contracts under Title X of the Public Health Service Act. This significant increase aims to expand and sustain the provision of family planning services nationwide, supporting clinic operations and direct patient care.
Section 2(b)(2)
Infrastructure Funding for Title X Clinics
This provision appropriates $50,000,000 annually for ten fiscal years (FY2026 through FY2035) specifically for infrastructure projects at Title X clinics. This includes funding for construction, renovation, and equipment, aiming to modernize facilities and improve the physical capacity of clinics to deliver services efficiently and effectively.
Section 2(d)(2)
Mandate for Nondirective Pregnancy Counseling
This provision mandates that all pregnancy counseling provided by Title X clinics receiving funds under this Act must be nondirective. For patients with a positive pregnancy test, clinics must offer information and counseling on prenatal care/delivery, infant care/foster care/adoption, and pregnancy termination. Referrals must be provided upon request for any option, unless the patient indicates no interest.
Section 2(d)(1)
Non-Discrimination in Subaward Participation
This provision prohibits any recipient of funds under this Act from preventing an entity from participating in a Title X subaward program for any reason other than that entity's inability to provide Title X services. This aims to ensure broad participation among qualified providers and prevent ideological exclusions.