Federal Judge Talwani blocks Trump, Congress from cutting Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood

A federal judge in Massachusetts has granted an emergency motion for a preliminary injunction barring the Trump administration from cutting federal Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood as the case plays out.

US District Court for the District of Massachusetts Judge Indira Talwani wrote in the 58-page ruling, "Patients are likely to suffer adverse health consequences where care is disrupted or unavailable. 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."

The provision to halt Medicaid funds going to Planned Parenthood was part of the Big Beautiful Bill that Congress passed and Trump signed into law on July 4. Talwani had initially blocked the provision for 14 days earlier in July.

Talwani wrote that "legislative history and context confirm that the law’s purpose is to single out Planned Parenthood Federation and its Members for punishment."

The suit was brought forward by Planned Parenthood Federation of America on behalf of its 47 regional affiliates, with additional suits being brought forth by its Utah and Massachusetts chapters. The suits took issue with a provision in the law that issues a one-year ban on Medicaid payments to health care nonprofits that also offer abortions, which also received more than $800,000 in federal funding in 2023.

"A preliminary injunction maintains Planned Parenthood Members’ ability to seek Medicaid reimbursements — and maintain their status quo level of service to patients," Talwani wrote. 

Health and Human Services spokesperson Andrew Nixon told The Hill following the ruling, "We strongly disagree with the court’s decision. States should not be forced to fund organizations that have chosen political advocacy over patient care. This ruling undermines state flexibility and disregards longstanding concerns about accountability."