House Republicans Face Opposition Over Planned Parenthood Funding Cuts

As Congress considers a budget reconciliation package including President Trump's agenda, a key point of contention is the proposed defunding of Planned Parenthood by barring Medicaid funds to abortion providers. Three House Republicans—Mike Lawler, Jen Kiggans, and Brian Fitzpatrick—have reportedly opposed cutting Planned Parenthood funding, reflecting concerns over access to essential reproductive health services, especially in rural and low-income communities. Pro-life activists, however, are pressuring Republicans to maintain the defunding provision, warning that votes against it could lead to political consequences, emphasizing their influence through large activist networks. State legislators nationwide have also joined the call to end federal funding to Planned Parenthood, urging congressional leaders to include defunding language in the budget bills. Defenders of Planned Parenthood argue that removing Medicaid funding threatens vital health services such as birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing, and that the cuts represent a political agenda aiming to restrict reproductive rights. This debate highlights a deep partisan divide over reproductive health funding, with lawmakers and activists on both sides mobilizing to influence the final outcome of the budget package.