5th Circuit Rules in Case Attempting to Block Young People in Texas from Confidentially Accessing Birth Control Under Title X 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in Deanda v. Becerra that the administration of Title X, which requires confidential access to birth control for minors, violated Deanda's right to consent to his minor daughters' medical treatment under Texas state law. However, the court held that, because the issue had not been properly raised, the Biden administration’s 2021 Rule requiring confidential access to contraception for minors remains in place. Yesterday’s ruling marks a significant and dangerous departure from decades of precedent that has allowed all young people to confidentially get basic health care like birth control through Title X and could jeopardize care for Texas minors. Title X is the nation’s only federal program dedicated to providing affordable birth control, cancer screenings, and other sexual and reproductive health care to people with low incomes. 

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America: 

“Once again, another court has disregarded decades of precedent in yet another attack on people’s ability to access essential care. As we’ve long known, opponents of reproductive rights are not satisfied with overturning Roe. They want to take away all access to sexual and reproductive health care and control every aspect of our lives. Everyone — including young people — should be able to make decisions about their own bodies, lives, and futures. Title X has helped young people do just that. Planned Parenthood Federation of America will continue fighting back to protect bodily autonomy.” 

People most affected by attacks on sexual and reproductive health care disproportionately include Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, people with low incomes, and people living in rural communities. According to leading medical organizations, confidential health care services, especially sexual and reproductive health care, are essential for young people.

Read Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s statement on the ruling from the Northern District of Texas here, and on the Department of Justice’s appeal here. 

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With nearly 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.