HHS seeks to undo Title X gag rule
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HHS proposed to reverse a 2019 rule that prohibits certain discussions between physicians and patients regarding family planning services.
The so-called Title X gag rule bans health care providers from referring women for abortions as a method of family planning and denies federal funding for programs and facilities that do not comply with the rule. It had come under fire and faced legal challenges from AMA, ACP and others for several reasons, including the rule’s restrictive nature and conflict with some societies’ policies. On its website, HHS appeared to concur with the societies’ sentiments, saying the rule “undermined the public health of the population the program is meant to serve.”
HHS also said it intends to make several changes that will “strengthen the program and ensure access to equitable, affordable, client-centered, quality family planning services for all clients, especially for low-income clients.” The changes, HHS said, are consistent with the agency’s priority of “advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality.”
AMA said it “strongly applauds” HHS’ action.
The gag rule “has inappropriately interfered with the patient-physician relationship and jeopardized safe access to reproductive care,” AMA President Susan R. Bailey, MD, said in a statement. “This move brings us one step closer to restoring access to necessary care for millions of low-income and uninsured patients who depend on Title X for family planning services.”
According to HHS, starting April 15 and for the next 30 days, the public can weigh in on HHS’ proposal on the Federal Register’s website.
References:
AMA. AMA applauds Biden administration move to reverse Title X ‘gag rule.’ https://www.ama-assn.org/press-center/ama-statements/ama-applauds-biden-administration-move-reverse-title-x-gag-rule. Accessed April 14, 2021.
HHS. Fact sheet: Notice of proposed rulemaking ensuring access to equitable, affordable, client-centered, quality family planning services. https://www.hhs.gov/about/news/2021/04/14/fact-sheet-notice-of-proposed-rulemaking-ensuring-access-to-equitable-affordable-client-centered.html. Accessed April 14, 2021.