Judge Halts Medicaid Defunding for Planned Parenthood

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani has issued a nationwide injunction blocking enforcement of a provision in President Donald Trump’s recent tax and spending bill that would have cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood and other large abortion providers for one year. Though the law did not name Planned Parenthood directly, the judge found it effectively singled out the organization and its affiliates, likely violating the Constitution under the Fifth and First Amendments and the ban on bills of attainder. The ruling ensures Medicaid payments continue for all Planned Parenthood clinics, preventing potential closures that could impact over a million patients. Judge Talwani emphasized that halting these funds would cause adverse health outcomes, including increased unintended pregnancies and untreated STIs, due to reduced access to reproductive health services. The decision also reaffirms that federal funds cannot be used for abortion services except in rare cases, while recognizing Planned Parenthood’s broader health offerings. The White House and Department of Justice have not commented, and further legal proceedings are anticipated.