Rep. Roy grills University of Texas on Planned Parenthood funding

WASHINGTON- Following recent news of a University of Texas money flowing to a Planned Parenthood, Rep. Chip Roy (TX-21) pressed the college for answers on Wednesday.

"After receiving $526,145 of the $2 million allotted by HHS, the university has sub-awarded a total of $49,458 to the Planned Parenthood of Illinois since September 15, 2023," Rep. Roy explainedin a letter to Dr. Allan Cole, Dean of UT's Steve Hicks School of Social Work.

"Planned Parenthood of Illinois is a radical entity and the University of Texas' association with it violates the conscience of millions of Texans. On its website, Planned Parenthood of Illinois proudly boasts of providing free abortions and 'gender-affirming hormone therapy to transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive folks' - including minors," Roy explained further, later adding, "Considering that the University of Texas is second in the nation in federal research expenditures among public higher education systems, it is essential that we understand why federal grant recipients are entering into partnerships with abortion and so-called "gender-affirming care"-providing organizations and under what circumstances."

The Congressman then requested the following information from the college:

1. Please confirm whether UT provided Planned Parenthood of Illinois sub-award grant funding. If so, please provide documentation of the amount provided to date and the rationale for providing the funding to Planned Parenthood of Illinois.

2. Since January 2021, has the University of Texas entered into any other funding agreements with Planned Parenthood or other abortion providers? If so, please provide copies of those agreements or confirmation that no other such agreements have been or are in effect. Please explain the circumstances and discussions that precipitated UT's agreement with these organizations.

3. Is UT's provision of funds to Planned Parenthood of Illinois consistent with Texas law, including Senate Bill 14, which prohibits the use of public money or public assistance to provide minors with gender-affirming procedures and treatments?

PDF of the letter is available here.

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