A group of state chapters is taking legal action against the Trump administration over new conditions related to a longstanding initiative designed to prevent teenage pregnancies. They filed their lawsuit as a response to recent notifications from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding the National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program (TPPP), which was set to continue past a March 31 deadline.
Since stepping into office, President Trump has issued a significant number of executive orders—over 140, covering various topics. However, the HHS and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., named in the lawsuit, haven’t provided any immediate comments on the issue when reached by The Hill.
The five state chapters that launched the lawsuit point out that this development comes two years into a committed five-year contract for managing the teen pregnancy initiative. This program is mandated to follow an evidence-based model, which the law states must effectively reduce unintended pregnancies and influence associated sexual risk behaviors and outcomes.
Each participating entity is required to submit an application for continuity by April 15 of this year. However, the plaintiffs argue that a recent notice did not adequately clarify how to adjust TPP programs to meet the expected fidelity to evidence-based practices.
The lawsuit goes on to criticize the new requirements as “incredibly vague,” suggesting they impose standards that could financially burden beneficiaries, potentially undermining the fundamental goals of the TPP program.
