Washington, April 3 (RHC)-- The Donald Trump administration is withholding tens of millions of dollars from nine Planned Parenthood state affiliates that provide contraceptives and other vital reproductive healthcare, predominantly to low-income and people of color. 

The providers received notices this week stating their Title X funding was being temporarily retained due to “possible violations” of Trump’s policies against diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, efforts. 

The Department of Health and Human Services has given the providers, which operate dozens of clinics nationwide, including in Indiana and Kentucky, 10 days to comply with Trump’s demands to eliminate DEI initiatives. 

In a letter, HHS pointed to mission statements and other public documents that highlight the clinics’ “commitment to Black communities” as supposed evidence of their noncompliance.

In related news, The U.S. Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case brought by South Carolina that seeks to expel Planned Parenthood clinics from its state Medicaid program — though states are largely already prohibited from using Medicaid funds to provide abortions. 

Planned Parenthood says the move violates the Medicaid Act’s “free choice of provider” provision.

In other news, the Trump administration is gutting U.S. aid for reproductive health and family planning programs in dozens of Global South nations.  The move is expected to impact some 50 million women, who will be cut off from contraceptive access.

[ SOURCE: DEMOCRACY NOW ]