Health

Over $200 Million Cut From Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services cut about $214 million in federal funds, leaving over 80 programs without funding.

Over $200 Million Cut From Teen Pregnancy Prevention Programs
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has cut about $214 million in federal funds for teen pregnancy prevention programs.

The Center for Investigative Reporting notes more than 80 programs have had their funding pulled by the Trump administration. Many of those programs focused on providing contraceptive access to teens.

In 2015, these programs were promised federal funding for five-year projects. Scientists involved say they won't have enough funds to analyze data collected from the previous years of research.

The teen pregnancy rate in the U.S. has dropped significantly since 2011, but it's still high among industrialized countries. It's estimated that 1 in 4 girls in the U.S. will become pregnant before age 20.

The Obama administration supported funding toward sex education programs. But the Trump administration seems to be more interested in abstinence-only education instead.

How Will President-Elect Donald Trump Affect Access To Birth Control?
How Will President-Elect Donald Trump Affect Access To Birth Control?

How Will President-Elect Donald Trump Affect Access To Birth Control?

Trump says he would repeal the Affordable Care Act and defund Planned Parenthood. That could make birth control a lot more expensive.

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Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price has strongly opposed government-mandated protection for birth control access and welcomed an executive order challenging that mandate.