The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is deeply concerned about the recent freezing of Title X funds affecting 21 grantees. This abrupt action not only threatens the stability of essential reproductive health services but also disproportionately harms the communities that midwives are committed to serving, many of whom already face significant barriers to care.
The decision to investigate grantees for their dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is especially alarming. DEI initiatives are not a political agenda, they are a moral and professional obligation to ensure that all individuals, regardless of race, income, or immigration status, have access to high-quality, evidence-based healthcare. Penalizing providers for upholding these values undermines the very purpose of Title X: to ensure equitable access to family planning and reproductive healthcare.
The impact of these funding freezes is immediate and devastating. Grantees are unable to purchase critical supplies, leaving patients without essential services. The forced pause in care jeopardizes public health, further marginalizes historically underserved communities, and places an unfair burden on midwifery-led care models that are already operating with limited resources.
We call on policymakers and the broader healthcare community to recognize the harm caused by these actions and to reaffirm their commitment to equitable healthcare for all. ACNM stands in unwavering support of our members and the communities they serve. We will continue to advocate for policies that protect access to midwifery-led care and challenge efforts that seek to dismantle the progress we have made in advancing reproductive healthcare equity.
