WASHINGTON—Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) applauded the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today for finalizing and publishing the Protect Life Rule, new guidelines for Title X family planning grants. Last year, Rep. Estes helped lead the effort in Congress to call on the Trump administration to administer the new rule which will divert family planning tax dollars from abortion providers to facilities focused on women’s health care. In total, 153 Representatives and 41 Senators supported the effort.

“This is a monumental day in the fight to protect life and ensure tax dollars don’t support abortion providers like Planned Parenthood,” said Rep. Estes. “As one of the leaders in Congress who encouraged adoption of these guidelines, I am glad to see the Trump administration issue the Protect Life Rule and follow through on its promise to support life. As abortion supporters throughout the country advocate for extreme measures like late-term abortions and infanticide, I’ll continue to work with President Trump and Congress to defend life.”

The Protect Life Rule was issued by HHS today following a public comment period on the proposed rule. The new guidelines – similar to previous Reagan-era rules upheld by the Supreme Court – eliminate a current requirement that all Title X recipients refer abortions, stipulate that Title X projects must be conducted by providers physically and financially separated from abortion activities, and increase accountability and oversight in cases of suspected sexual abuse of minors. While the Protect Life Rule will not cut any funds from family planning services, it will divert tax dollars from abortion providers like Planned Parenthood, which currently receives $60 million annually in Title X grants.

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means