Family planning agencies in Pennsylvania may experience a setback in federal funding due to a new policy from the Trump administration, according to a recent lawsuit. This legal challenge, involving the Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, contests the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) revised application process for Title X funding.
The updated process, outlined in the 2027 Notice of Funding Opportunity, introduces an “alignment review” by presidential appointees to ensure adherence to agency priorities, with no avenue for appeal. Plaintiffs argue this prioritization may politicize the funding process.
Sara Rose, deputy legal director at ACLU of Pennsylvania, stated, “The Trump administration’s attempt to condition Title X funding on political allegiance is a grave threat to public health. Grant decisions must be guided by objective standards to ensure that taxpayer money is spent fairly and efficiently without regard to the ideology of its recipients.”
Title X, established under President Nixon, aims to assist low-income individuals in preventing unintended pregnancies, but has faced criticism from anti-abortion groups. The Trump administration’s focus has shifted toward promoting pregnancies, and attempts were made to prevent funds from supporting Planned Parenthood.
The lawsuit, filed in Pennsylvania’s federal Middle District, lists HHS and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. among the defendants. It highlights contradictions between the Trump administration’s policies and the Biden administration’s existing Title X regulations, which emphasize health equity.
In Pennsylvania, four organizations benefit from Title X, including The Family Health Council, receiving a combined $12.6 million annually. These groups provide a range of health services to over 160,000 patients statewide.
Brigitte Amiri from the ACLU’s Reproductive Freedom Project pointed out that to change existing regulations, a formal rulemaking process is necessary, not just a funding announcement.
The lawsuit contends that the new review step undermines the Title X application process, potentially diverting funds to organizations aligning with the agency’s political agenda. Notably, Title X funds cannot be used for abortions.
Given the current legal proceedings, Federal Judge Jennifer Wilson is set to preside over the case. Spotlight PA reached out to HHS for comments but received no response.
Patricia Fonzi, president and CEO of the Family Health Council, emphasized the importance of a fair grant process, stating, “We welcome a competitive grant process and believe every applicant should be evaluated on its ability to effectively serve communities.”
The plaintiffs are seeking to have the new rule revoked, labeling it “unlawful.” Title X funds are awarded on a five-year cycle, with the new rule affecting the 2027 fiscal year.
