Planned Parenthood of Utah has restored services after funding freeze, but two clinics remain closed, leaving gaps in healthcare access.
Planned Parenthood of Utah has announced the restoration of funding for its low-cost and free health services following a prolonged freeze that significantly impacted its operations. As of Monday, the organization is once again able to provide essential health services to low-income residents, including family planning, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, and cancer screenings, through the Title X Family Planning Program. This development marks a significant change for many Utahns who have been without these vital services due to previous funding cuts.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Population Affairs informed the Planned Parenthood Association of Utah on December 19 that the grant funding, which had been frozen since April 2025, would be reinstated. The organization received $2 million in Title X funding for the current grant year, though it is worth noting that this amount is a reduction from the $2.8 million allocated in 2024. Title X is the only federal program dedicated to providing affordable reproductive health care services to low-income individuals, and federal law explicitly prohibits the use of Title X funds for abortion services, ensuring that the focus remains on preventive care.
The funding freeze had dire consequences for Planned Parenthood’s operations in Utah. In April 2025, the organization announced the closure of two clinics—one in Logan and another in St. George—due to the lack of financial support. These closures have left significant gaps in healthcare access for residents in those areas, particularly for women and low-income families who rely heavily on these clinics for reproductive health services. As a result of the funding freeze, many individuals were forced to seek more expensive care or go without necessary health services altogether, a situation that has raised concerns among healthcare advocates and community leaders.
Shireen Ghorbani, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, expressed relief over the restored funding but also highlighted the ongoing challenges that the organization faces. “We are thrilled that Title X funding is restored to Utah for now, allowing more Utahns to get critical family planning services, such as birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing, that they otherwise could not afford,” she stated. However, she did not shy away from discussing the negative impact of the previous funding freeze. “Too many Utahns have already felt the devastating effects of the Trump administration’s unwarranted decision to withhold this funding for the last nine months,” Ghorbani added.
The implications of the funding restoration are significant, particularly for the estimated 26,000 Utahns who depend on the Title X program for essential health services. Ghorbani noted that the closures of the Logan and St. George clinics have left those communities without access to care that has been provided for decades, exacerbating health disparities in rural areas. “Many of those who relied on our services have been left with no affordable options for their healthcare needs,” she explained.
Despite the restoration of some funding, uncertainty looms over the future of Title X grants. Ghorbani expressed concern about the sustainability of the restored funding and the potential for further political interference in reproductive health services. “While this funding is restored for now, there is no guarantee that it will continue,” she warned. “We do not know if we will receive the grant this year or ever again—or what other attacks on sexual and reproductive health this administration may impose.”
As Planned Parenthood of Utah works to re-establish its services and help those in need, Ghorbani reassured the community of the organization’s commitment to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare. “At Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, we believe that everyone deserves affordable, accessible health care,” she emphasized. “While the Trump administration is willing to play politics with your health, we remain firm in our commitment to deliver high-quality, affordable reproductive care for the people in our communities—no matter what. Our doors are open—still—and we look forward to continuing to serve patients in Utah.”
In conclusion, while the restoration of funding for Planned Parenthood of Utah is a positive development for many low-income residents of the state, the closures of two clinics underscore the challenges that remain. The organization’s ability to provide essential health services will depend not only on the current level of funding but also on the political landscape that governs reproductive health care in the future. As the situation evolves, advocates and community members will be closely monitoring the impact of these funding changes and the ongoing need for accessible healthcare services in Utah.