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Rep. Mark Green to Introduce States Choose Life Act to Protect Pro-Life States from Retribution by HHS
Tennessee Representative Mark Green, a Republican, is set to introduce a new bill titled the States Choose Life Act of 2023. The purpose of the act is to protect pro-life states, including Tennessee, from potential retribution by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Biden administration. The bill aims to prevent the HHS from stripping Title X funding from states that do not allow abortions or refer residents to abortion-allowing states.
The Significance of Title X and Its Funding
Title X is a family planning program established under the Public Health Service Act in 1970. It provides access to contraceptive care and other services, particularly for low-income Americans. Annually, around 4 million people benefit from Title X funding, according to the HHS.
The Impact of Trump Administration’s Rule Reversal
Under the Trump administration, a rule was introduced that significantly limited the use of Title X funding for abortion services. However, the Biden administration reversed this rule, paving the way for potential consequences for pro-life states. Rep. Green’s bill specifically aims to prevent the HHS from weaponizing Title X to remove funding from states that protect the right to life.
Rep. Green’s Concerns Over Title X Funding Revocation
The bill is a response to a letter sent by the HHS to the State of Tennessee, informing them that they would no longer receive Title X funding. This funding had been crucial in supporting low-income families in Tennessee for many years. Rep. Green expressed his concern and disappointment in the letter, stating that the decision to revoke funding for political reasons is unacceptable.
The Fight to Protect Unborn Life
The introduction of the States Choose Life Act of 2023 coincides with the one-year anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. This decision overturned Roe v. Wade, acknowledging a constitutional right to abortion. Rep. Green views this anniversary as the beginning of the fight to protect unborn life. He emphasizes the importance of allowing states to pass pro-life laws without facing financial or other repercussions from the federal government.
The Right to Conscience for Medical Professionals
Rep. Green strongly opposes the idea of medical professionals being forced to refer patients for abortions against their conscience. He criticizes Secretary Becerra for using Title X funding as a means to compel states to participate in abortions or risk losing funding. Rep. Green finds this practice abhorrent and believes that no medical professional should be coerced into performing or advocating for abortions.
The Financial Impact on Tennessee
In 2022, Tennessee received over $7.1 million in Title X funding, according to the HHS. Nationally, the Biden administration awarded $256.6 million for Title X family services. If the HHS continues to strip Title X funding from pro-life states, it could result in limited access to essential healthcare services, such as cancer screenings and pregnancy care.
Conclusion
Rep. Mark Green’s States Choose Life Act of 2023 seeks to protect pro-life states from potential retribution by the HHS. The bill aims to prevent the HHS from revoking Title X funding from states that do not allow abortions or refer residents to abortion-allowing states. Rep. Green emphasizes the significance of allowing states to pass pro-life laws and protect the rights of the unborn without interference from the federal government. With the introduction of this bill, Rep. Green hopes to ensure that Tennesseans and Americans across the country can continue to access necessary healthcare services through Title X.
