The Oregon Health Authority has sent a letter to the federal government saying it wants to continue getting Title X money — but it won't spend it.
Oregon will stop using the federal funds to pay for reproductive services for about 44,000 women.
Robb Cowie with the Oregon Health Authority says the agency took the step after the Trump administration issued rules stopping Title X money from being used to inform women about their full range of reproductive options — including abortion.
“The new federal rules would force Oregon to violate our own state laws [that] ensure women are able to make fully informed choices about their reproductive health and get the care they need,” said Cowie.
Oregon is part of a multi-state lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Trump administration's rule. The Oregon Health Authority plans to hold the money until there's a resolution to that legal challenge.
In a statement, the OHA said it remains committed to ensuring continued funding for comprehensive, high-quality reproductive health care. It also said clients seeking care at the Reproductive Health Program’s network of clinics will continue to receive the same high-quality, client-centered services that have always been available.
Some other health organizations, like Planned Parenthood, are taking a stronger stance and leaving the program entirely, rather than comply with the restrictions.