TANF Funds Diverted to Crisis Pregnancy Centers Amidst Fraud Concerns

By Dr. Natalie Singh, Health Editor, archynewsy.com

A growing amount of federal funding intended to support families in need is being directed to crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs), raising concerns about the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars and potential mismanagement. These centers, often affiliated with religious groups, aim to dissuade individuals from terminating pregnancies and their funding has increased significantly in recent years.

Rising TANF Funding for Crisis Pregnancy Centers

In Missouri, as of January 2026, as much as $2 of every $3 allocated to crisis pregnancy centers comes from the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, a substantial increase from $3 of every $4 in 2024. TANF funding for these centers in Missouri has risen from $4.3 million in 2022 to $10.3 million in fiscal year 2026 . This trend is not isolated to Missouri; at least eight states have directed TANF funds to CPCs in recent years, with over $102 million allocated between 2017 and 2023, including $22.5 million in Ohio, $11.75 million in Indiana, and $12 million in Texas .

How TANF Funds are Allocated

The federal government provides TANF funds to states as a block grant, giving states considerable discretion in how the money is spent. Federal law stipulates that TANF funds should be used to support families by facilitating housing or employment, preventing out-of-wedlock pregnancies, and promoting two-parent families . A bill passed by the U.S. House in January seeks to explicitly designate crisis pregnancy centers as eligible recipients of these funds, though it has yet to be considered by the Senate .

Concerns Over Oversight and Mismanagement

Diana Rodin, associate principal at Health Management Associates, notes that oversight of TANF funds is limited after distribution, with some states lacking transparency in how the money is allocated . This lack of oversight has fueled concerns about potential fraud and misuse of funds, particularly highlighted by a significant corruption scandal in Mississippi involving $77 million in misspent welfare funds . Representatives Jason Smith (Missouri) and Darin LaHood (Illinois) have called for a Government Accountability Office review of non-assistance spending within the TANF program .

Criticism of Crisis Pregnancy Centers

Medical organizations, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, have voiced objections to the practices of many CPCs, citing misleading and deceptive information . Audits have similarly revealed mismanagement of public funds by some centers. For example, RealOptions in California was found to have improperly allocated over $127,000 in federal funding and lacked adequate tracking procedures .

Expanding Funding Sources

Beyond TANF, CPCs are increasingly accessing other federal funding streams, including grants for abstinence-only education programs, teen pregnancy prevention, and U.S. Housing and Urban Development funds . The potential for increased funding is further heightened by possible changes to Title X family planning funding rules, potentially allowing organizations to receive funds without offering birth control services .

Temporary Assistance (TA) Program Overview

The Temporary Assistance (TA) program provides monthly cash benefits to families in need, helping to cover expenses such as clothing, utilities, and other essential services . Participation in employment and training services through the Missouri Perform Assistance (MWA) Program is often required for those receiving TA benefits .

If you are in need of assistance, resources are available. You can search for financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other support services in your area through findhelp.org.