Federal judge blocks Planned Parenthood defunding

Government health services and grants accounted for $792 million toward Planned Parenthood, according to the provider’s 2023-2024 annual report. The report does not distinguish Medicaid reimbursements from other federal grants.

“Patients are likely to suffer adverse health consequences where care is disrupted or unavailable," wrote U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani. “In particular, restricting Members’ ability to provide healthcare services threatens an increase in unintended pregnancies and attendant complications because of reduced access to effective contraceptives, and an increase in undiagnosed and untreated STIs.”

In June, the Supreme Court allowed states to block Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood clinics. The district judge’s order is separate from the Supreme Court’s ruling.

“We’re encouraged by today’s ruling, which protects access to care for Medicaid patients in Massachusetts while this case moves forward,” said Dominique Lee, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Massachusetts. “At a time when reproductive health care access is under constant attack, this decision is a powerful reminder that patients, not politics, should guide health care.”

Anti-abortion advocacy group, Americans United for Life, praised the tax bill’s provision against Medicaid funds for abortion providers.

“Americans deserve their tax dollars to be used for the prosperity of our nation’s families, not the harm of women and girls,” said Brad Kehr, government affairs director with Americans United for Life. “AUL will continue to work toward the full and permanent defunding of abortion providers in both federal and state arenas.”