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- 3 - accessHealthNews.net June 2025 Volume 11 | Issue No. 97 New Survey Released by Missouri-based The Right Time Initiative as Federal Title X Funding Remains Withheld Future Access to Birth Contr Questioned As Missouri continues to wait for critical federal Title X funding, newly released polling from The Right Time, an initiative of Missouri Foundation for Health, reveals widespread concern among residents about the future of birth control access in the state. According to the poll, 37% of Missourians believe birth control will become harder – or even impossible – to get in the future, while only 18% believe it will become easier. This uncertainty is compounded by political inaction and the continued withholding of Title X funds, which support affordable family planning services for tens of thousands across the state. "This polling shows Missourians are worried – and rightly so," said Michelle Trupiano, Executive Director of Missouri Family Health Council, Inc. (MFHC). "The longer we wait for Title X funding, the more people are left without access to basic sexual and reproductive health care. This isn't just a bureaucratic delay – it's a direct threat to Missourians' ability to plan their futures." The survey of 1,000 Missouri residents ages 18- 35 was conducted in March 2025 as part of the Missouri-based The Right Time initiative. Through this effort, health centers across the state are improving access to contraception by providing free or low-cost birth control in more than 30 locations. The Right Time provides training, assistance, and funding for clinics to expand access to the full range of contraceptive methods. The Right Time, Title X, and other funding sources collectively support health centers in offering quality care while helping patients by reducing cost barriers. MFHC serves as the program office for The Right Time initiative and is Missouri's sole Title X grantee. "The Right Time has provided same-day contraceptive services to nearly 80,000 patients to date, particularly focused on those who may have traditionally struggled with access," said Kathleen Holmes, Vice President of Transformation & Integration at Missouri Foundation for Health. "While we're proud of this work, so much more needs to be done, and we're running a risk of moving backwards as a state. LEARN MORE

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