Judge blocks Medicaid cuts to Planned Parenthood

A federal judge on Monday ruled that Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide must continue receiving Medicaid funding, blocking a key provision in President Donald Trump’s tax law.

District Judge Indira Talwani in Boston said the law likely violates the Constitution by singling out providers like Planned Parenthood and risks disrupting essential healthcare for low-income patients.

The tax and policy law, effective July 4, barred Medicaid payments for one year to abortion providers earning over $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements in 2023—even if they also offered services like cancer screenings, STI testing and birth control.

Though it didn’t name Planned Parenthood directly, the organization said the measure targeted its nearly 600 health centers across 48 states. Other providers in states like Maine were also affected.

Health consequences and clinic closures
Judge Talwani noted that patients could face more unintended pregnancies and undiagnosed STIs due to reduced access.

Planned Parenthood warned that nearly 200 clinics across 24 states might shut down, cutting care for over one million patients.

Government pushback
The Department of Health and Human Services opposed the ruling, saying it undermines state flexibility and allows politically active groups to retain federal funds.