The federal Title X family planning program, which provides reproductive health services to approximately 2.3 million Americans annually, faces a potential funding disruption on March 31 that could affect access to contraception and sexual health services.

The $286 million annual program serves primarily low-income individuals and those without health insurance, offering services including birth control, sexually transmitted disease testing, HIV screening, and cervical cancer screenings through a network of clinics nationwide.

Health care providers and clinics that rely on Title X funding are preparing for potential service reductions if the funding gap occurs. This could result in patients having to pay out-of-pocket for services previously provided at no cost, or seeking care elsewhere.

The program has historically served as a significant component of the public health infrastructure for reproductive care in the United States. Title X-funded clinics have provided contraceptive services, STD testing, and other preventive health services to millions of patients each year, with services typically provided on a sliding fee scale based on income.

Clinics participating in the program are working to prepare contingency plans while awaiting resolution of the funding situation. The potential disruption comes at a time when access to reproductive health services has become an increasingly prominent policy issue across the country.