WASHINGTON, D.C.—House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement regarding the Department of Health and Human Services’ ruling to end the practice of taxpayer subsidized abortion through the Title X Family Planning Program. This decision restores the Reagan-era regulations that prevent Title X funds from being used to promote, counsel, or refer clients to abortion services.
“Since President Trump took office we have made great strides toward defending the sanctity of life. With today’s decision by the Trump Administration, we are finally starting to see the end to federally funded taxpayer abortions. The Title X Program was never intended to subsidize abortion providers. During the Clinton Administration, this program was distorted and Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers started receiving millions of taxpayer dollars.
“These organizations will now have to completely stop abortions at their facilities that receive these federal dollars, or face losing this federal funding altogether. Importantly, faith-based health organizations will no longer be forced to compromise their pro-life principles to receive government funding. Thanks to President Trump‘s leadership, we are finally ending the despicable practice of using taxpayer dollars to subsidize abortion providers under Title X, and are once again preserving the religious freedoms of all Americans.
“In Congress, I will never stop fighting to protect the unborn, and recently joined with Rep. Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) to begin the process of forcing a vote on the House Floor to protect babies who are born alive. Working closely with President Trump, we are taking bold steps toward defending and protecting innocent life in America at all stages.”
Last Congress, Whip Scalise joined 153 of his colleagues on a letter urging President Trump and his Administration to take action. He also joined in submitting a comment on the proposed rule change.