Federal Judge Threatens Birth Control Access for Young People 

WASHINGTON — Today, a federal judge in Texas declared unlawful the decades-old promise that young people who receive care through the Title X family planning program may do so confidentially–a ruling that goes against all precedent and could have devastating effects for young people nationwide. The case, Deanda v. Becerra, is part of an ongoing and coordinated effort waged by opponents of sexual and reproductive health care to use the judicial system to restrict birth control and other essential health care.

Restrictions on access to birth control and other basic sexual and reproductive health care disproportionately harm Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, who already face barriers to health care due to systemic racism and discrimination. Rural communities and young people also face disproportionate barriers to sexual and reproductive health care access. Leading medical organizations have made it clear that young people need access to confidential health care services–particularly around sexual and reproductive health.

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

“Opponents of reproductive rights are not satisfied with overturning Roe–they want to take away birth control from young people, and restrict access to essential sexual and reproductive health care wherever they can. This ruling threatens the health and lives of young people, who may be stripped of their ability to access the health care they need to build healthy lives.

“This is not the last attempt to restrict birth control access. PPFA will continue to fight for everyone’s ability to make decisions for themselves–and do everything we can so that Planned Parenthood health center patients receive the care they deserve.”

Created by the Nixon Administration with bipartisan support in 1972, the Title X family planning program is now more than five decades old and is the nation’s only federal program dedicated to providing affordable birth control and other sexual and reproductive health care to people with low incomes. It funds essential health care services like birth control counseling and methods, STI testing and treatment, breast and cervical cancer screenings, pre-pregnancy care, and more. This ruling could affect young people nationwide.

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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 more than 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.