Reproductive health care providers in Maine are among those affected by the Trump administration's decision to freeze Title X funds. The federal program helps provide family planning and basic health care for thousands of Mainers with low incomes.
Maine receives nearly two million in annual funding under the program, which is distributed among more than 60 health clinics across the state to provide contraception, cancer screenings, and other care.
Nicole Clegg, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, said the organization was informed Monday that the funds would be frozen while it's being investigated for allegedly violating executive orders, including those banning diversity initiatives.
"We stand by what we've been doing. We've been legally participating in this program for many, many, years and have received exceptional reviews from the federal government for how we've been providing this care," Clegg said.
During the first Trump administration, Planned Parenthood and Maine Family Planning withdrew from Title X because of a gag rule barring providers from making abortion referrals. They rejoined when President Biden reversed the rule.
"So while this is a different attack, it is still an attack on our funding," said Maine Family Planning spokesperson Olivia Pennington.
Pennington said state funding is now more important than ever, and she's urging Maine lawmakers to support a bill that would boost funding for reproductive health clinics.
