Healthcare Isn't Politics: Beacon Responds to Hawley Title X Claims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2026

Contact: Leslie Klote, Communications Manager
Email: LKlote@BeaconReproHealth.org 
Call/Text: 573-694-4898

Healthcare Isn't Politics: Beacon Responds to Hawley Title X Claims

JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Beacon Reproductive Health Network is responding to inaccurate and intentionally misleading comments made by U.S. Senator Josh Hawley during a congressional hearing yesterday regarding Missouri’s Title X family planning program.

During an exchange with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Sen. Hawley falsely conflated federal Title X services with abortion care and misrepresented the organization’s role in administering federal Title X funding in Missouri. 

The facts are clear: Title X funds cannot be used for abortion care. Federal law already prohibits this, and Beacon has consistently complied with all Title X requirements while responsibly administering these funds in Missouri for more than 40 years.

Through Title X, Beacon helps ensure individuals and families across Missouri can access preventive healthcare through a statewide network of providers. This care includes birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing & treatment, and wellness exams.

Sen. Hawley’s comments are not rooted in fact – they are part of a broader effort to politicize healthcare and create confusion amongst patients about programs that help people access services.

“Unlike Sen. Hawley, Beacon doesn’t run from challenges,” said Michelle Trupiano, Executive Director of Beacon Reproductive Health Network. “When politicians spread misinformation they play politics with people’s health – they create real harm for people simply trying to access services like birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing and treatment, and other essential care. Beacon has spent more than four decades showing up for communities across our state – and we’re not going anywhere.”

For over 40 years, Beacon has served as responsible stewards of Title X funding in Missouri, ensuring federal resources are used as intended to expand access to affordable, high-quality reproductive healthcare.

Missourians deserve the freedom to make decisions about their health and futures without politicians interfering or spreading misinformation about trusted providers.

Beacon will continue working alongside providers, advocates, and communities across Missouri to build a future where essential healthcare is accessible, affordable, and free from political interference.

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Beacon Reproductive Health Network (formerly Missouri Family Health Council) champions the freedom to access sexual and reproductive healthcare – no matter who you are or where you live. Through programs like Title X, Free EC, and The Right Time, we partner with providers, support communities, and advocate for policies that protect care and expand rights. 

Beacon supports a diverse regional network of 65 health centers in Missouri and 3 in Oklahoma delivering essential services such as contraception, cancer screenings, and STI testing and treatment – all rooted in dignity and compassion.

Together, we light the way toward healthier, freer futures.