Attorney General Gentner Drummond's request for the U.S. Supreme Court to reinstate Title X funding to Oklahoma gained support this week through amicus briefs from various states, congress members, medical organizations, and policy groups. Oklahoma lost its Title X grant following a recent appellate court ruling that upheld the Biden Administration's policy allowing abstention from abortion referrals after the Dobbs decision. Title X funding had been essential for the Oklahoma State Department of Health, which had used it for over 40 years to provide important healthcare services, according to the Oklahoma Attorney General.
Drummond filed a petition for certiorari in October to challenge the Tenth Circuit's decision, which ruled that the federal government could withhold funds from the Oklahoma State Department of Health due to its position on abortion referrals. He emphasized, "This strong show of support from states, federal lawmakers, medical professionals and policy organizations demonstrates the far-reaching implications of the Biden Administration's unprecedented action," as reported by the Oklahoma Attorney General.
Twenty-one states have supported Texas in its case, urging the Supreme Court to review it because of its impact on states' rights to control abortion laws. Nineteen members of Congress, including Oklahoma's delegation, submitted a brief emphasizing the right of institutions to refuse abortion referrals under the Weldon Amendment without penalties. Healthcare groups, like the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians & Gynecologists, representing over 22,000 providers, also expressed concern about potential discrimination in Oklahoma. Over 35 organizations, supporting religious liberty and public policy, joined the effort. They argue the Supreme Court should "protect Oklahoma and its healthcare professionals from unlawful discrimination and ensure that all Oklahomans have access to care," as stated by the Oklahoma Attorney General.
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