Oklahoma’s Fight for Title X Funding Gains National Support
Oklahoma’s efforts to reclaim federal family planning funds have garnered substantial backing from a coalition of states, congressional members, medical organizations, and public policy groups. This coalition submitted amicus briefs to support Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the state’s loss of approximately $4.5 million in Title X funding.
In July, a federal appeals court ruled that Oklahoma was not entitled to these funds, which has prompted Drummond to seek a review by the Supreme Court. This loss has escalated, with the state now facing a total deficit of nearly $10 million in Title X funding as legal battles continue.
The coalition’s briefs contest the requirement that Title X providers offer counseling on all options for pregnancy, including abortion, which Oklahoma claims violates its rights under the Weldon Amendment. This amendment prohibits federal funds from supporting any entity that discriminates against healthcare providers for refusing to refer for abortions. Drummond argues that the requirement to share a hotline number for abortion referrals constituted an infringement on Oklahoma’s rights and that the lower courts erroneously upheld this demand.
The support extends beyond Oklahoma, with 21 states insisting on their right to challenge federal overreach that they argue undermines state policies against abortion. Additionally, all members of Oklahoma’s congressional delegation have joined the call to uphold the Weldon Amendment, emphasizing the need for protection of conscience rights for healthcare institutions.
Drummond framed the coalition’s amicus briefs as a “strong show of support,” reiterating that federal law prohibits the use of Title X funds for abortions and protects entities that opt not to make referrals for abortion services. The future of Oklahoma’s Title X funding now hinges on the Supreme Court’s response.
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