Ensuring Access to Equitable, Affordable, Client-Centered, Quality Family Planning Services
other · US Department of Health and Human Services · Rule · Published 2021-10-07 · Effective 2021-11-08 · 86 FR 56144
Document
Document number
2021-21542
Federal Register citation
86 FR 56144
CFR reference
42 CFR 59
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule.
Category
other
Sub-agency
US Department of Health and Human Services
Publication date
2021-10-07
Effective date
2021-11-08
Abstract
The Office of Population Affairs (OPA) in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health issues this final rule to revise the regulations that govern the Title X family planning program (authorized by Title X of the Public Health Service Act) by readopting the 2000 regulations, with several revisions to ensure access to equitable, affordable, client-centered, quality family planning services for clients, especially low-income clients. The effect of this 2021 final rule is to revoke the requirements of the 2019 regulations, including removing restrictions on nondirective options counseling and referrals for abortion services and eliminating requirements for strict physical and financial separation between abortion-related activities and Title X project activities, thereby reversing the negative public health consequences of the 2019 regulations. OPA also makes several revisions to the 2000 regulations to increase access to equitable, affordable, client-centered, quality family planning services.