Planned Parenthood Reacts to 5th Circuit Oral Arguments in Case Trying to Require Parental Consent for Young People to Obtain Birth Control

WASHINGTON — Today, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in Deanda v. Becerra, after federal district Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk held that minors getting their birth control without parental consent through Title X violates both Texas state law and the U.S. Constitution. The Department of Justice appealed the district court ruling, which rejects decades-old precedent allowing young people to confidentially get basic health care through the Title X family planning program — 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:

“Today’s oral arguments are yet another proofpoint that sexual and reproductive health care are under attack. The same people using the courts to try to make abortion illegal and inaccessible are simultaneously trying to limit access to birth control. Young people should be able to make decisions about their bodies, lives, and futures, and Title X has made that possible for decades. Planned Parenthood will continue to fight to protect everyone’s access to essential reproductive health care services.”

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. Confidential health care services, especially sexual and reproductive health care, are essential for young people, according to leading medical organizations.

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

###

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.