Judge to hear arguments on law cutting Planned Parenthood Medicaid funds
3 minute readPublished: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at 11:16 am
Judge to Hear Arguments on Planned Parenthood Funding Cuts
A federal judge is set to hear arguments regarding a law that cuts Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood. The law, passed in July, targets organizations that provide abortions and receive over $800,000 annually in Medicaid funds.
Planned Parenthood argues the law is unconstitutional. Anti-abortion activists support the legislation. An appeals court previously allowed the law to take effect in September while a lower court considers Planned Parenthood's claims.
Planned Parenthood reports the law cost them $45 million in September alone, as clinics covered treatment costs for Medicaid patients out-of-pocket. Nearly half of Planned Parenthood's patients rely on Medicaid for healthcare, excluding abortions, which are already not covered by the federal program.
Lawsuits have been filed against the Health and Human Services Secretary. One medical provider has been forced to halt primary care services. Some states have directed state funds to compensate for lost federal reimbursements. Planned Parenthood estimates these funds have covered approximately $200 million of the $700 million spent annually on Medicaid patients.
Due to the funding shortfall, some clinics may require Medicaid patients to pay out-of-pocket, while others may close. Since July, 20 Planned Parenthood affiliated clinics have closed, with 50 closures since the start of the current presidential term.
Planned Parenthood's President and CEO, Alexis McGill Johnson, stated the law forces patients to make impossible choices regarding essential services.
Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life Committee, supports the legislation, arguing that taxpayers should not contribute to abortion services. She suggested Planned Parenthood could stop offering abortions to continue providing medical care. Planned Parenthood's president has reaffirmed the organization's commitment to providing abortions.
While Planned Parenthood is the largest abortion provider, abortions account for only 4% of its medical services. Testing for sexually transmitted infections and contraception services make up about 80%. The remaining 15% includes cancer screenings, primary care, and behavioral health services.
Jenna Tosh, CEO of Planned Parenthood California Central Coast, stated that the Medicaid cuts threaten both abortion and non-abortion medical care. Roughly 70% of their patients rely on Medicaid.
BNN's Perspective:
This case highlights the complex intersection of healthcare access, constitutional rights, and differing moral viewpoints. While the debate over abortion remains central, the potential impact on a broad range of healthcare services for low-income individuals warrants careful consideration. Striking a balance that respects both individual beliefs and the need for accessible healthcare is crucial.
Keywords: Planned Parenthood, Medicaid, abortion, funding, healthcare, legal, reimbursements, clinics, patients, services, Constitution, lawsuits, federal, government, access, low-income, disabled, primary care, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, cancer screenings, behavioral health.