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Youth

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Attempt to Defund Teen Health Education Programs

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump Administration from defunding teen reproductive and sexual health education programs over language that affirms all young peoples' gender identities. The ruling is a victory for a coalition of 17 attorneys general, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who sued the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in September alleging the administration was denying young people services for cruel and purely political reasons with no regard for the law. The coalition argued that HHS's actions violated the federal Administrative Procedure Act as well as the United States Constitution, and that forcing states to use medically unsupported, incomplete program content violates laws adopted by Congress.

Key Takeaways:

  • A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump Administration's attempt to defund teen reproductive and sexual health education programs in Michigan and nationwide.
  • The Trump Administration's actions were deemed a violation of the federal Administrative Procedure Act and the United States Constitution.
  • The Preliminary Injunction was secured by a coalition of 17 attorneys general, including Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
  • The coalition argued that the Trump Administration's actions would put the health and safety of young people at risk, particularly trans youth who already face higher rates of bullying, isolation, and health disparities.
  • The Personal Responsibility Education Program (PREP) provides medically accurate education to help teenagers reduce pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  • PREP supports programming at 25 school buildings and 8 community-based organizations in Michigan, serving thousands of young people across the state.
  • The Trump Administration threatened to pull nearly $3.4 million in PREP funding from Michigan in late August.

Statistics:

  • 17 attorneys general joined the lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in September.
  • 25 school buildings and 8 community-based organizations in Michigan received funding from PREP in 2019.
  • Nearly $3.4 million in PREP funding was threatened to be pulled from Michigan in late August.
  • The coalition argued that HHS's actions would impact thousands of young people in Michigan.

Sources:

  • Michigan Attorney General's Office: "Michigan Joins Lawsuit to Block Trump Administration's Attempt to Defund Teen Health Education Programs" (PDF)
  • U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): "Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Action on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Concerning the Personal Responsibility Education Program" (PDF)
  • [No additional sources]

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