Court Blocks Trump Administration's Bid to Defund Planned Parenthood
In a significant setback for the Trump administration, a federal judge has ruled that Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood clinics must continue nationwide, despite a provision in the tax bill signed by Donald Trump aimed at cutting off reimbursements.
US District Judge Indira Talwani's order on Monday expands an earlier injunction that had blocked the government from cutting Medicaid payments to only some Planned Parenthood affiliates. The ruling protects funding for all clinics while litigation continues.
The provision in question, part of the tax bill signed into law in 2023, ended Medicaid payments for one year to abortion providers receiving more than $800,000 from Medicaid. However, Talwani found that this would cause irreparable harm to patients and clinics.
Planned Parenthood had sued the Trump administration over the provision, arguing it would force nearly 200 clinics in 24 states to close, affecting over 1 million patients who rely on them for services like birth control, STI tests, and cancer screenings.
Talwani's decision noted that restricting access to these services would lead to adverse health consequences, including increased unintended pregnancies and undiagnosed STIs. More than 80 million people rely on Medicaid nationwide.
The White House had sought to "defund" Planned Parenthood through various means since taking office. However, this latest attempt has been thwarted by Talwani's ruling. The Supreme Court may ultimately decide the issue if appealed.
