First Circuit Court Allows Planned Parenthood “Defund” to Go into Effect, Undermining Access to Care for Tens of Thousands of Oregonians

CONTACT: Christopher Coburn, [email protected]

OREGON- The First Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked millions of patients nationwide from using their Medicaid insurance at Planned Parenthood health centers, including in Oregon. In doing so, the Court sides with the Trump administration and puts as many as 200 Planned Parenthood health centers at risk of closure nationwide.

This is a devastating blow to patient freedom in choosing a trusted medical provider and access to health care, including birth control, STI testing and treatment, abortion, cancer screenings, and more.

Joint Statement from Dr. Sara Kennedy, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette and Amy Handler, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Southwestern Oregon

"We are deeply disappointed that the court has allowed this harmful and unconstitutional law to go back into effect - once again blocking Planned Parenthood health centers from receiving Medicaid reimbursement for the essential care we provide.

Despite this setback, our doors remain open. Planned Parenthood health centers across Oregon continue to provide high-quality, preventative health care to all patients, including 70% of our patients who rely on Medicaid for care. We are actively evaluating all available legal and funding avenues, and working closely with state leaders, and the Oregon Attorney General's office to protect access to health care for the thousands of Oregonians who rely on us every day."

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Founded in 1963, Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette is the largest sexual and reproductive health care and education nonprofit in Oregon and SW Washington, serving communities at their nine health center locations.

Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon (PPSO) has been dedicated to providing expert reproductive health care and sexuality education in Southwestern Oregon for over 55 years, serving communities at their four health center locations.