Trump freezes millions in Planned Parenthood funding amid DEI review
- The Trump administration plans to freeze federal grants to Planned Parenthood, estimated at $120 million, while reviewing compliance with directive regarding DEI initiatives.
- This freeze is expected to impact funding for clinics in approximately 12 states.
- The move is part of Trump's larger initiative to hold organizations accountable for receiving taxpayer dollars.
In the United States, the Trump administration announced plans to freeze approximately $120 million in federal grants designated for Planned Parenthood. This decision stems from the Health and Human Services Department's ongoing review of whether recipients comply with a directive aimed at purging diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The freeze is anticipated to affect Planned Parenthood clinics across about twelve states, signaling a broader effort by the Trump administration to ensure that federal funds are not allocated to organizations associated with DEI programs. This funding freeze aligns with President Trump's executive order issued on his first day in office, which mandated federal agencies to root out DEI-related engagements among grant recipients. Planned Parenthood, one of the largest providers of reproductive health services and abortions in the U.S., previously withdrew from the Title X family planning program due to Trump-era policies prohibiting abortion referrals. Consequently, this significant financial pullback reflects the administration's broader goal of adhering to its values concerning federal funding. Karen Stone, the Vice President of Public Policy & Government Relations for Planned Parenthood Action Fund, criticized the administration's actions as reckless, highlighting concerns over potential impacts on access to health care services for millions of women and families. In 2023, Planned Parenthood provided a wide range of services to over two million patients, including nearly 393,000 abortions amidst its overall service offerings of 9.13 million. This latest administration move against Planned Parenthood echoes ongoing tensions surrounding reproductive rights and funding for health care services associated with abortion. With the public and political debate intensifying, further developments can be expected, as Planned Parenthood advocates and various political groups respond to the funding freeze, potentially leading to legal challenges or heightened activism to safeguard healthcare access.