Judge Blocks Trump Medicaid Ban for Planned Parenthood

A federal judge in Massachusetts, Indira Talwani, has indefinitely blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a policy that would have barred Planned Parenthood and similar nonprofits from receiving Medicaid reimbursements if they provide abortion services. The law targeted organizations receiving over $800,000 in Medicaid funding and was found likely to be an unconstitutional legislative punishment, violating Planned Parenthood's First Amendment rights. Judge Talwani noted that federal law already prohibits public funding for abortions but warned the provision would disrupt essential healthcare for millions, including birth control and cancer screenings. Stripping Medicaid funding was expected to increase unintended pregnancies and untreated health conditions among low-income patients. The Trump administration has appealed the decision, arguing it limits congressional authority and state flexibility. The current injunction protects all Planned Parenthood clinics from the Medicaid funding ban, ensuring uninterrupted care for Medicaid patients nationwide.