Congress·In Committee·H.R. 6972

Congress targets Title X clinics with tougher abuse-reporting rules, records checks, and funding penalties

Reporting Accountability and Abuse Prevention Act of 2026

2 months ago·View on Congress.gov

Legislative Progress

House

Senate

President

Law

Key Points

Makes Title X family planning grant funding depend on following state and local reporting rules for abuse, rape, incest, partner violence, and trafficking.
Requires clinics to have written plans, including yearly training for anyone who serves patients, and clear steps for when and how to report.
Adds extra steps for minors, including counseling on resisting sexual coercion and screening when there’s pregnancy, an STD, or signs of abuse.
Forces clinics to keep detailed records (like a minor’s age and any reports made) and allow federal reviewers to check those records.
Sets penalties: first violation triggers a fix-it process; repeated violations can require paying back federal funds and losing Title X funding for at least 36 months.

HealthcareConsumer ProtectionCriminal JusticeCivil Rights

Impact Analysis

Personal Impact

How this policy affects specific groups of people

Mixed Impacts(1)

Student

Neutral

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions

Jan 7, 2026House

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Jan 7, 2026

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

After enactment, for the next Title X award or renewal cycle

Title X grantees must have a state-law compliance plan and documentation to get new or renewed grants

Clinics may update intake questions, training, and record systems before their next Title X grant award/renewal so they don’t risk losing funding

Within the first year after enactment, then yearly

Annual training starts (and repeats every year) for staff and contractors serving patients

Clinic workers may have new required training sessions, and patients may notice more standardized questions and referrals tied to abuse/trafficking concerns

After enactment, as reviews/audits occur

HHS, the HHS Inspector General, and the Comptroller General can review clinic records for compliance

Clinics may be asked to provide documentation (including from contractors/subgrantees), and some clinics may change practices to avoid audit findings

After a second violation is found, 36-month ban begins

Penalties apply for repeated noncompliance (repayment + at least 36-month loss of Title X assistance)

A clinic that is found out of compliance a second time could lose Title X support for 3 years and may have to repay federal funds received after the law took effect, which could reduce local access to low-cost family planning services