US states lawsuit over Title X funding conditions

A coalition of 23 states, including Maine and Delaware, has filed a lawsuit in a Maryland federal court against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The legal action seeks to block new conditions attached to Title X family planning funds for the upcoming five-year cycle.

The plaintiffs argue that the new HHS requirements are unlawful and contradict existing statutory and regulatory mandates. Specifically, the states contend the rules would force recipients to end diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies and prohibit recognizing patients based on gender identity rather than biological sex. The lawsuit also challenges restrictions regarding the referral of patients to abortion services, noting that while federal law prohibits the use of Title X funds for abortions, the new rules interfere with existing “neutral counseling” and referral practices.

Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings characterized the administration’s actions as “extortion,” alleging the policy attempts to force states to abandon protections for LGBTQ+ citizens. The states warn that these changes could result in clinic closures and the loss of essential services, such as contraception and cancer screenings, for low-income and underinsured populations.