Planned Parenthood, the nation’s largest abortion advocacy organization, saw funding cuts in the “Big, Beautiful Act” pushed through by President Trump. However, Judge Indira Talwani of the Massachusetts District Court in Boston ruled on the 28th that Medicaid, the federal Medicaid program, must continue to accept reimbursements from Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide.
The ruling supersedes a preliminary injunction issued by Talwani last week. Talwani’s previous injunction blocked the Trump administration’s order halting Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood clinics that don’t provide abortions and whose reimbursements don’t reach the $800,000 annual threshold.
In her latest ruling, Talwani stated that patients’ health could be severely impacted if health care is interrupted or unavailable. She pointed out that restricting clinics’ ability to provide medical services could lead to an increase in unintended pregnancies and related complications due to limited access to contraception, as well as an increase in undiagnosed and untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The “Big, Beautiful Act,” which took effect on July 4, directs the federal government to suspend Medicare funding for one year for abortion clinics that received more than $800,000 in Medicaid funding in 2023. Clinics like Planned Parenthood, which provide contraception, prenatal care, and STD testing in addition to abortions, are also subject to funding cuts.
While the bill does not directly name Planned Parenthood, it stated that nearly 600 clinics across 48 states would be affected.
Planned Parenthood told the court that without Medicaid funding, nearly 200 clinics in 24 states could close, potentially depriving over one million patients of services.
Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson issued a statement on the 28th saying the lawsuit against the Trump administration stems from a targeted attack on Planned Parenthood clinics and patients. Johnson said the lawsuit aims to ensure that patients who use Medicaid as health insurance for contraception, cancer screenings, STD testing, and treatment can continue to receive services at their local Planned Parenthood clinics.
