Access to safe and effective birth control is essential to public health. In the United States, Title X allows health clinics to provide access to free birth control to teens without parental consent. This program permitted teens in all 50 states to feel safe when attempting to take charge of their sexual and reproductive health without fear of retribution from their parents. However, Texas recently became the first — and only — state in the union to repeal this access.
According to Every Body Texas, Title X “is a federal grant program created in 1970 to provide comprehensive and confidential family planning services and preventive health services. Services provided include contraception counseling and provision, some cancer screenings, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and wellness exams.” Title X clinics provide access to free contraceptives — including birth control — to anyone regardless of age, income or citizenship status.
However, Title X has become the latest victim in Texas’ war on reproductive rights. In 2022, U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk ruled that Title X’s ability to provide birth control to teens without parental consent violates the rights of Texas parents, as well as federal and state laws, according to the Texas Tribune.
Last month, a three-judge panel from the U.S. 5th Circuit Appeals Court ruled that “parental consent required for minors’ medical treatment under the Texas Family Code does not conflict with federal law that allows U.S. teens to obtain contraception confidentially at federally-funded family planning clinics,” upholding Kacsmaryk’s previous ruling.
Where does this ruling leave Texas teens wanting access to contraceptives? Title X’s repeal means that teens can no longer access birth control without parental consent. However, teens still have access to free condoms through the program, as well as emergency contraceptives like Plan B. After the ruling, these services still do not require parental consent.
During these trying times for reproductive rights in Texas, access to educational resources is important to ensure that all Texans are aware of their rights to use Title X to access birth control. As citizens, we must encourage Title X’s continuation in our state, regardless of this major setback.
To learn more about Title X in Texas, visit the Every Body Texas website.
