Planned Parenthood of Utah resumes services after funding restoration, but two clinics remain closed due to previous funding cuts.
Planned Parenthood of Utah has announced the resumption of low-cost and free health services for eligible patients following the restoration of previously frozen funding. This development comes as a relief to many low-income Utah residents who depend on these essential services for family planning, including birth control, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing and treatment, and cancer screenings. Despite this positive news, two Planned Parenthood clinics in Logan and St. George remain closed, a consequence of funding cuts that have impacted service availability across the state.
The restoration of funding is linked to the Title X Family Planning Program, which is the only federal initiative dedicated to providing affordable reproductive health care to people with low incomes. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Population Affairs communicated to the Planned Parenthood Association of Utah on December 19 that grant funding would be reinstated. As a result, the organization has received $2 million for the current grant year, a significant reduction from the $2.8 million allocated to Utah clinics in 2024.
The funding freeze, initiated by the Trump administration in April 2025, had far-reaching consequences. Planned Parenthood of Utah was forced to shut down two clinics in Logan and St. George, leaving these communities without access to vital health services. During the nine months that funding was withheld, many of the 26,000 Utahns who rely on the program faced increased healthcare costs or were forced to forgo necessary care altogether.
Shireen Ghorbani, the president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, expressed her gratitude for the restored funding but also highlighted the significant challenges faced by patients during the funding freeze. "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 also noted, "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 emphasized the impact on individuals in the community, saying, "Many were forced to pay more for their health care or go without care altogether. And because of the Trump administration’s attack on this critical program, PPAU was forced to close two health centers, leaving the communities of St. George and Logan without access to the care we provided there for decades."
Despite the restoration of some funding, Ghorbani has raised concerns regarding the future of Title X funding in Utah. "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."
The Title X program, established in 1970, aims to ensure that individuals can access essential reproductive health services, including family planning, regardless of their financial situation. The program also prohibits the use of funds for abortion services, focusing instead on preventive care and education. The recent funding issues reflect broader national debates on reproductive rights and healthcare access, particularly for low-income populations.
In the meantime, Planned Parenthood of Utah is committed to continuing its services to the community. Ghorbani reiterated the organization’s mission, stating, "At Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, we believe that everyone deserves affordable, accessible health care. 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."
As the situation develops, the organization remains hopeful for sustainable funding solutions that would allow them to reopen the closed clinics and expand access to reproductive health services across Utah. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding federal grants underscores the precarious nature of healthcare funding, particularly for programs targeting low-income individuals. Advocates for reproductive health continue to call for stable funding and policies that prioritize the needs of vulnerable populations, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare in promoting public health and well-being.
In conclusion, while the restoration of Title X funding is a step forward for Planned Parenthood of Utah, the closure of two clinics and the uncertainty surrounding future funding highlight ongoing challenges in providing essential health services to low-income communities. The organization’s commitment to advocating for and delivering affordable care remains steadfast as they navigate these obstacles.