H.R.271 - Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.271, the "Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2025," seeks to impose a one-year moratorium on federal funding to Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc., and its affiliates, unless they certify they will not perform abortions (with exceptions for rape, incest, or life-threatening conditions). The bill allocates $235 million to community health centers to offset the funding restriction.
The bill outlines findings that other entities can provide women's health services and that funds will be redirected to these entities. It also includes provisions for the repayment of federal assistance if Planned Parenthood violates the terms of the certification.
The bill aims to ensure no reduction in overall federal funding for women's health, emphasizing a shift in resource allocation rather than a decrease in total support.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would redirect federal funding from Planned Parenthood to community health centers for one year. Planned Parenthood would need to certify they do not perform abortions (except in specific cases) to receive federal funds.
Community health centers would receive additional funding, potentially increasing their capacity to provide women's health services. The Act could lead to changes in access to abortion services, depending on the availability of alternative providers in various regions.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Funding for Community Health Centers: The bill allocates additional funds to community health centers, potentially improving access to healthcare services in underserved areas.
- Focus on Comprehensive Healthcare: The bill emphasizes the availability of various health services beyond abortion, such as prenatal care and cancer screenings, through alternative providers.
- Potential Reduction in Abortions: By restricting funding to entities that perform abortions (with exceptions), the bill may lead to a decrease in the number of abortions performed.
- Alignment with Some Voters' Preferences: Some voters may view defunding Planned Parenthood as a moral imperative.
- No Reduction in Overall Women's Health Funding: The bill states that overall federal funding for women's health will not be reduced.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Reduced Access to Healthcare: Defunding Planned Parenthood could limit access to healthcare services, especially for low-income individuals who rely on these services.
- Potential Increase in Unintended Pregnancies: Reduced access to contraception services could lead to an increase in unintended pregnancies.
- Disruption of Existing Healthcare Networks: Shifting funding away from Planned Parenthood could disrupt established healthcare networks and create challenges in ensuring continuity of care.
- Limited Abortion Access: The bill restricts access to abortion services, which may be viewed as a violation of reproductive rights by some.
- Administrative Burden: The certification and repayment requirements could create an administrative burden for both Planned Parenthood and government agencies.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality is subject to debate. Arguments against alignment could cite potential infringements on reproductive rights, which have been linked to privacy rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. Supporters might argue the bill does not directly prohibit abortions but rather restricts funding, a power Congress has under Article I, Section 8 (the power to tax and spend for the general welfare). The First Amendment's guarantee of religious freedom could also be invoked by those who oppose abortion on religious grounds.
The bill's focus on redirecting funds to community health centers aligns with the government's interest in promoting public health, which is a legitimate governmental objective. However, the restrictions on funding based on abortion services could raise concerns about viewpoint discrimination.
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).