Bill Proposes $562 Million Annual Boost for Title X Family Planning Clinics Starting 2026

This proposed legislation, the "Expanding Access to Family Planning Act," aims to significantly increase federal investment in clinics providing family planning services under Title X of the Public Health Service Act. It establishes a dedicated "Title X Clinic Fund" managed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Starting in fiscal year 2026 and running through 2035, the bill earmarks over half a billion dollars annually for these essential community health providers.

Dollars and Cents: Bolstering Clinic Resources

The bill sets aside two major funding streams each year for a decade (2026-2035). First, $512 million annually is designated for grants and contracts that support the actual family planning services offered by Title X clinics – think contraception, STI testing, cancer screenings, and related health education. Second, an additional $50 million per year is allocated specifically for infrastructure improvements. This could mean anything from constructing new clinic facilities and renovating existing ones to upgrading medical equipment or improving IT systems. According to Section 2, these funds remain available until they are spent, giving clinics flexibility in planning larger projects.

Access and Information: Setting Standards

Beyond the funding, the bill lays down specific requirements for clinics receiving these dollars. Critically, Section 2 mandates that any pregnancy counseling offered must be "nondirective." This means if a patient tests positive for pregnancy, they must be offered information and counseling on all their options: prenatal care and delivery, infant care, foster care, adoption, and pregnancy termination. If the patient requests it, the clinic must provide neutral, factual information and counseling on each option, including referrals, unless the patient explicitly states they aren't interested in a particular path. Furthermore, the bill includes a provision aimed at preventing discrimination among potential service providers: entities receiving these funds to distribute as subawards cannot exclude organizations based on reasons other than their ability to actually provide the required Title X services. This could help ensure a wider network of providers can participate, potentially expanding access in underserved areas.