Restrictions on Abortion and Lobbying Activities in Family Planning Programs Need Clarification
HRD-82-106
Published: Sep 24, 1982. Publicly Released: Sep 24, 1982.
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Highlights
In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the family planning program authorized by title X of the Public Health Service Act to determine whether title X funds have been used to finance lobbying activities or to support abortion-related activities.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should consider providing guidance to HHS to clarify the intent of section 1008 if it does not want title X funds to go to organizations providing abortions. | GAO thought Congress might address this recommendation during 1985 when it considered reauthorizing the title X family planning program. However, no reauthorization hearings are currently planned. Since over 3 years have passed and no action has been taken, or planned, this recommendation should be closed. This was included in the 1984 GAO Annual Report. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Health and Human Services | The Secretary, HHS, should establish clear operational guidance by incorporating into the title X program regulations and guidelines of the HHS position on the scope of the restriction in section 1008. In doing so, the Secretary should provide as explicit guidance as possible on the activities that are not allowed. |
Although HHS has not incorporated guidance into title X regulations, it has completed several actions which have provided the recommended guidance through HHS General Counsel opinions and HHS regional offices. HHS urged grantees to voluntarily separate family planning and abortion activities and directed regional health officials to approve the use of title X funds.
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| Department of Health and Human Services | The Secretary, HHS, should provide interim guidance to title X recipients on activities that constitute lobbying and are unallowable as title X program expenditures. |
On May 29, 1984, OMB Circular A-122 became effective. This Circular contained regulations on lobbying activities which cannot be performed with title X funds.
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Topics
Reproductive health careAbortionsReproductive health careContraceptionFunds managementGrant administrationHealth centersLobbying activitiesReproductive health careLobbying