LANSING — State Rep. Kara Hope (D-Holt) introduced House Resolution 57 recently, urging President Trump and the United States Department of Health and Human Services to repeal their recent rule changes regarding funding eligibility for the Title X family planning program.
“The timing of this decision is unfortunate and out of touch with what Michigan residents want and need,” Hope said. “More people than ever before are concerned about their access to healthcare. We are experiencing a shortage of OB-GYNs in Michigan, with 28 counties having no OB-GYNs at all. And the nation is in the midst of a multi-year increase in the rate of sexually transmitted diseases. Not surprisingly, this decision is opposed by physicians. It injects ideology and needless restrictions into how providers treat and counsel their patients.
“This ‘gag rule’ will do lasting harm to tens of thousands of women in Michigan who rely on these providers for cancer screenings, family planning, treatment for sexually transmitted diseases and basic wellness exams.”
Title X is the only federal grant program solely dedicated to funding family planning and preventative health services for low-income patients. Under the new rule, organizations would be rendered ineligible for Title X funding if they provide or refer patients for certain safe and legal medical procedures, including abortions.
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