Planned Parenthood Affiliates in Ohio Applaud Federal Court Ruling on Title X Upholding Ohioans’ Access to Reproductive Care
For Immediate Release: Dec. 5, 2023
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled Title X providers like Planned Parenthood can continue to provide pregnant patients with referrals for abortion upon request.
COLUMBUS, OHIO – Last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a partial win in Ohio v. Becerra involving a challenge brought by Ohio and 10 other states to the Biden administration’s Title X rule. As a Title X provider, Planned Parenthood affiliates in Ohio are heartened by the ruling that upholds the Biden administration’s Title X Rule’s requirement that Title X projects must provide pregnant patients with referrals for abortion upon request. The ruling affects Ohio alone at this time, and it will not take effect until later this month.
The Sixth Circuit also ruled that the current rule does not require adequate separation between abortion care and the services provided under Title X, like birth control and STI care. Awaiting further clarity from the Court, Planned Parenthood health centers in Ohio will continue to comply with the law and are confident in the ability to remain in the program without disruptions for patients.
Erica Wilson-Domer, President & CEO at Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, released the following statement:
“While we are thrilled that the Sixth Circuit opinion reaffirms our patients’ right to receive medically accurate information and abortion referrals, we must continue our efforts combating anti-abortion initiatives that circumvent the will of the people and restrict access to constitutionally protected health care in Ohio. We will continue to ensure equitable access to birth control, STI testing, and more.
“In November, the people of Ohio definitively demonstrated that they want reproductive freedom without government interference. No matter what – Planned Parenthood health centers across Ohio will continue to meet the needs of our patients and offer high-quality reproductive health care and education within the limits of the law.”
Title X 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.
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio is one of only two direct grantees provided Title X funding in Ohio alongside the Ohio Department of Health and allocates Title X funding to Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region. Annually, between 40,000 and 50,000 patients benefit from discounted or free Title X services in Planned Parenthood health centers across the state.
If you are interested in speaking with Erica Wilson-Domer from Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio, please contact Hannah Gavin at 202-765-4290 or [email protected].
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Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio operates 15 health centers and two surgical centers throughout Ohio, offering reproductive health care services for generations of Ohioans; supporting people of color, those with low incomes, and the LGBTQ+ community. PPGOH is committed to the health and safety of Ohio residents by doing everything they can to ensure everyone has access to the full range of reproductive health care, including safe and legal abortion.
Serving 20 counties in southwestern Ohio and three in northern Kentucky, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region strengthens the community by providing access to high quality health care and education that empower people to make informed, private decisions about their reproductive lives and sexual health. The organization operates five health centers throughout the region. Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region is an affiliate of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.