District Court Fully Blocks Provision to “Defund” Planned Parenthood As Case Continues

BOSTON - Today, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the provision in the reconciliation law that unconstitutionally "defunds" Planned Parenthood from going back into effect. This means that patients can use Medicaid at Planned Parenthood health centers, and Planned Parenthood health centers can receive reimbursements for the essential services they provide.

As the judge wrote in her order, "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."

Last week, the court granted relief for only some Planned Parenthood member organizations, forcing many health centers to stop billing for Medicaid services and leaving patients without options for their care. The order today now grants relief from this unconstitutional law for all Planned Parenthood member organizations.

This case was brought by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, and Planned Parenthood Association of Utah after President Trump signed the law, which stops patients from using Medicaid as their insurance at Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide.

Read more about the case here.

###

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.