S.1394 - Expanding Access to Family Planning Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1394, the "Expanding Access to Family Planning Act," proposes enhanced funding for family planning services under Title X of the Public Health Service Act. The bill allocates specific funding for grants, contracts, and infrastructure improvements for Title X clinics from 2026 through 2035. It also includes provisions regarding subawards and pregnancy counseling.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would increase the financial resources available to family planning clinics. It would also standardize pregnancy counseling practices within Title X clinics. This could lead to expanded access to reproductive health services and information.
Potential Benefits
- Increased access to family planning services, particularly for low-income individuals.
- Improved infrastructure for Title X clinics, enhancing their ability to provide comprehensive care.
- Standardized, non-directive pregnancy counseling, ensuring patients receive complete information.
- Potential reduction in unintended pregnancies.
- Support for preventative healthcare services.
Potential Disadvantages
- Increased government spending, potentially contributing to the national debt.
- Potential opposition from groups who object to certain family planning services.
- Possible administrative challenges in distributing and managing the funds.
- Risk of inefficient allocation of resources.
- Possible conflict with individual healthcare providers' beliefs.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While it does not directly infringe upon any specific constitutional right, the allocation of funds for specific healthcare services could be debated under the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8). The First Amendment's protection of religious freedom could be invoked if the funding requirements are seen as infringing on the religious beliefs of healthcare providers. However, the bill does not appear to violate any explicit constitutional prohibition.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).