Title X funding restored as new rules raise concerns

Federal Title X funding was restored after an HHS application delay, and new 2027 guidance emphasizes fertility awareness and noninvasive practices.

Federal funding for reproductive health clinics through the Title X program was renewed after a shortened application window earlier this year. Clinics that rely on Title X received awards that officials said were level or approximately level with their 2025 allocations. The program serves more than 2.8 million low-income and uninsured patients and funds services such as birth control, cancer screenings, wellness exams and HIV testing. New guidance for the 2027 funding cycle places additional emphasis on fertility awareness and noninvasive practices and frames some treatments as potentially overrelied upon. Key details: - HHS delayed the usual application timeline and gave clinics one week to apply beginning March 13; awards were released after that delay. - The program supports care for more than 2.8 million low-income and uninsured patients and covers preventive and screening services. - The 2027 guidance asks applicants to integrate "noninvasive, evidence-based practices" that promote fertility awareness and health literacy, according to the guidance language quoted in the article. - The next round of funding applications is due in January, and the government said it plans to make up to $257 million available for Title X in 2027. Summary: The restored funding returns regular grant support to Title X clinics after an abbreviated application period. Observers and some clinic leaders reported concerns about how the new guidance could affect access to certain contraceptive methods, and the next funding cycle opens with applications due in January.