The Trump administration has temporarily withheld millions in federal grants from Planned Parenthood over concerns that the organization may be violating civil rights laws and promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) ideology, according to a report from Politico.
On March 31, nine state affiliates of Planned Parenthood received official notices that federal funding under the Title X family planning program was being “temporarily withheld” due to “possible violations” of federal civil rights law and President Donald Trump’s executive orders, according to Politico.
The letter sent to Planned Parenthood affiliates stated that their mission statements and other documents suggest violations of Trump’s anti-DEI policies. It also raised concerns that the organization, which is the largest abortion provider in the United States, may be serving illegal immigrants. “The documents paint a picture of Planned Parenthood that suggests it is engaged, across its affiliates, in widespread practices across hiring, operations, and patient treatment that unavoidably employ race in a negative manner,” said Amy Margolis, deputy director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of Population Affairs, according to Politico.
Planned Parenthood affiliates were given 10 days to respond to the letter before the federal government determines whether to reinstate or permanently rescind the funding, which currently amounts to $27.5 million out of Title X’s $200 million budget.
Since returning to office, Trump has reinstated several pro-life policies, including the Hyde Amendment, which prevents most federal funds from directly supporting elective abortions, and the Mexico City Policy, which prohibits U.S. taxpayer dollars from funding abortion-related services abroad.
Despite these moves, Planned Parenthood continues to receive public funding. In response, congressional Republicans have introduced two bills: the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act, which would permanently ban federal funds from supporting abortion services, and the Defund Planned Parenthood Act, which would strip the organization and its affiliates of eligibility for federal funds.
Additionally, President Trump recently vowed that his administration would investigate Planned Parenthood’s alleged involvement in the illegal sale of fetal tissue, according to Politico.
For Catholics who uphold the sanctity of life, these developments represent a significant moment in the ongoing efforts to ensure that taxpayer dollars do not support abortion. As the situation unfolds, pro-life advocates will be closely watching how Planned Parenthood responds and whether the administration follows through with permanent funding cuts.
