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Federal funding that enables access to contraceptives and reproductive health screenings has been reinstated for the Missouri Family Health Council (MFHC) after a three-month pause.
The nonprofit, which allocates Title X funds to over 50 family planning clinics across Missouri and three in Oklahoma, received confirmation from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last week.
On Wednesday, MFHC officially received a letter awarding another year of support through the program.
Clinics Faced Service Cuts Amid Funding Freeze
Title X, a longstanding federal program, supports contraception, STD treatment, and preventive care like cancer screenings.
In fiscal year 2024, MFHC secured $8.5 million in Title X funds, covering around 56,000 patient visits.
MFHC’s Executive Director Michelle Trupiano explained that the organization had relied on emergency reserves to continue operations but was close to exhausting those funds.
“We were facing difficult decisions about continuing services and keeping doors open,” she said.
Trump Administration’s Executive Order Led to Funding Suspension
The funding freeze began in March 2025 when the Trump Administration suspended support for 16 nonprofits nationwide due to their involvement in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives—programs now prohibited under a recent executive order.
This impacted nonprofits in seven states, including Missouri, which was left without Title X funding entirely, according to KFF Health News.
The HHS requested documentation from MFHC, reviewing its anti-discrimination policies. Trupiano noted that after submitting the required paperwork, no follow-up occurred until the restoration notice arrived. “We hadn’t done anything wrong to begin with,” she said.
Only a Few Nonprofits Have Had Funding Reinstated
MFHC is one of only four nonprofits to have its Title X support reinstated. Others continue to operate without federal funding or have shut down, such as a Planned Parenthood clinic in Ohio, which ceased operations in May due to financial strain.
The National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association and the American Civil Liberties Union have filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the funding suspensions. MFHC is mentioned in this ongoing litigation.
Future of Title X Remains Uncertain
While the reinstated funds offer temporary relief, Trupiano remains concerned about long-term program viability. President Trump’s 2026 budget proposal includes eliminating Title X grants entirely.
“We are very relieved to receive the funding now,” Trupiano said, “but we remain deeply concerned about the future. Our clinics need consistent support to serve communities in need.”
The resumption of Title X funds provides a critical lifeline to reproductive health clinics in Missouri, allowing them to maintain services for thousands of patients.
However, the uncertain future of federal support leaves healthcare providers and advocates preparing for ongoing challenges.