Advocates for Youth welcomes President Biden’s FY25 budget proposal, which demonstrates strong commitment to comprehensive sex education, reproductive healthcare and abortion access, HIV funding, and young people’s mental and behavioral wellbeing. 

The President’s proposed budget prioritizes young people’s health by eliminating federal funding for harmful and discretionary “Sexual Risk Avoidance” abstinence-only programs, leveling funding for more comprehensive and inclusive initiatives including the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program, and increasing funding for Division of Adolescent and School Health. There was an increase from last year in Title X funding, however, it does fall short of the amount we requested. Advocates for Youth is encouraged by the continued exclusion of the Hyde Amendment from this year’s budget, and increased budgets for multiple Offices of Civil Rights. 

The budget seeks to continue access to HIV care and combat stigma with funding for initiatives including the Minority AIDS Initiative, Ending the HIV Epidemic which includes a National PrEP Program, the Ryan White Program, and a new project with the Department of Justice to modernize state HIV criminalization laws. 

While the initiatives outlined above make important strides toward promoting young people’s health, we are disappointed by the retention of the harmful Weldon Amendment, a refusal-of-care law that undermines patient health by prioritizing personal beliefs over patient care. 

Young people deserve leaders who value their health and wellbeing, and budgets are representative of values. We look forward to continuing our work with the Biden Administration and Congress to ensure that youth autonomy and healthcare access is reflected in our nation’s budget.