Fifth Federal Judge Rules Trump Administration’s Attack on Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program Illegal
For Immediate Release
June 4, 2018
Contact: Zach Eisenstein
Phone: (202) 265-2405 ext 333
zeisenstein@siecus.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Friday, a fifth federal judge ruled in favor of the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPPP), solidifying that the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) acted unlawfully in abruptly cutting the program’s funding last summer.
“In a time when young people continue being denied access to the most basic sex education and sexual and reproductive health care services, this decision to protect a program like TPPP comes as a much-needed victory,” said Chitra Panjabi, SIECUS President & CEO.
The class-action lawsuit, brought on by Healthy Futures of Texas, represented by Public Citizen, was filed on behalf of 62 organizations informed last summer that their five-year program grants would end two years early on June 30, 2018.
“While we are thrilled to see the continued trend of courts holding the Trump administration accountable—especially in regard to this vital program—we know that this fight could be far from over,” Panjabi said. “SIECUS will continue to keep a close watch as any potential response from the Administration remains unknown.”
While the court set aside the unlawful shortening of TPPP grants, grantees are not automatically entitled to continued funding in the next budget period. To be eligible for the continuation of grants, grantees must submit a non-competing continuation application.
“The courts have now sent the same, clear message for a fifth time: This administration is not above the law. They cannot override bipartisan, congressionally appropriated action—while risking the health and well-being of our nation’s youth—simply to promote a harmful and unpopular agenda,” Panjabi said.
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The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the U.S. (SIECUS) has served as the national voice for sex education, sexual health, and sexual rights for over 50 years. SIECUS asserts that sexuality is a fundamental part of being human, one worthy of dignity and respect. We advocate for the rights of all people to accurate information, comprehensive sexuality education, and the full spectrum of sexual and reproductive health services. SIECUS works to create a world that ensures social justice inclusive of sexual and reproductive rights.
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