1st Circuit Court Again Sides with Trump Administration, Keeping Law “Defunding” Planned Parenthood Enforceable

BOSTON - Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled in favor of the Trump administration and its backers in Congress in their effort to stop patients from using their Medicaid insurance at Planned Parenthood health centers. The law "defunding" Planned Parenthood is part of anti-abortion lawmakers' years-long strategy to shut down Planned Parenthood health centers and block access to sexual and reproductive health care. The ruling jeopardizes care for 1.1 million Planned Parenthood patients by allowing the Trump administration to continue enforcing the "defund" law.

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

"Today, a court has once again allowed the Trump administration to enforce Congress's unconstitutional 'defund' of Planned Parenthood - enabling their attempts to block access to care for patients most in need and force Planned Parenthood health centers to the financial brink. The intent is clear: They want to shut down Planned Parenthood health centers and make it harder for everyone, everywhere to get the health care they need. But this is far from over. Planned Parenthood will never stop fighting for patients, and we will never stop serving the communities that rely on Planned Parenthood health centers for care. "

Statement from Dominique Lee, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts:

"By allowing the Trump Administration to 'defund' Planned Parenthood, over one million people could lose access to high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care. This law aims to block patients from getting care and to pressure Planned Parenthood health centers in states like Massachusetts that protect reproductive freedom into abandoning our values, but we will never do that. While the Trump administration continues to try to take away people's reproductive freedom, PPLM will continue providing care and will always fight for our patients' right to control their bodies and get care from the provider they trust."

Statement from Shireen Ghorbani, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Association of Utah:

"As health care costs continue to rise, the Trump administration and its backers in Congress are hell-bent on stripping care from those who need it most. But we will keep showing up to care for our communities, and we will keep fighting this unconstitutional law in the courts. Every person should be able to get high-quality, affordable health care at a provider they know and trust. Our patients are counting on us. We won't let them down."

The case was brought by Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM), and Planned Parenthood Association of Utah (PPAU). This follows a previous rulingfrom the same court that allowed the Trump administration to enforce the "defund" Planned Parenthood provision.

In November, a new reporthighlighted how Planned Parenthood health centers have shielded the overwhelming majority of patients who use Medicaid from out-of-pocket costs as the Trump administration and its Republican backers in Congress sought to stop them from getting care. This effort is unsustainable, and every day this "defund" provision remains in effect and enforceable, more patients who rely on Medicaid face the risk of being unable to access health care.

Despite its recognition of the "deleterious effects" of the "defunding," the First Circuit nevertheless overturned a lower court's preliminary injunction blocking the law. The appellate court sent the case back to the lower court for further proceedings on the merits of the case.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation's leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation's largest provider of sex education. With nearly 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable education and information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives. Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that supports the independently incorporated Planned Parenthood affiliates operating health centers across the U.S.

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts (PPLM) is Massachusetts' leading provider of sexual and reproductive health services, including abortion, and has been a leader in promoting sexual health for more than 90 years. We believe that all people deserve the information and expert services to make informed, personal decisions that affect their health, their lives and their futures. The mission of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is to ensure every person in the state has access to sexual and reproductive health care and education no matter who they are, where they live, or who they love. Our work is informed by research, powered by advocacy, and conducted with compassion and respect.

At Planned Parenthood Association of Utah, we believe that every Utahn deserves to choose their own path to a healthy and meaningful life. For 55 years, we've provided high-quality, affordable, and compassionate reproductive health care and education to thousands of Utahns at six health centers across the state. For more information, visit us online at ppau.org.