A federal judge appointed by President Obama has temporarily blocked a provision of a new law signed by former President Donald Trump that sought to cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood and similar organizations.
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued a nationwide preliminary injunction on Monday, halting enforcement of a section in the recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The law, which includes a one-year ban on Medicaid funding for nonprofits that provide abortion services, was set to impact Planned Parenthood, even though federal law already prohibits direct funding of abortions under the Hyde Amendment.
Judge Talwani argued that the provision may be unconstitutional, stating it likely violates the First Amendment by retaliating against Planned Parenthood for its advocacy and association with abortion services, despite providing other non-abortion health care services like contraception and STI testing.
“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,” Talwani wrote in her 58-page opinion.
Although Planned Parenthood was not explicitly named in the legislation, the organization presented evidence suggesting it was specifically targeted, citing public statements from Republican lawmakers.
Last week, Judge Talwani had already blocked enforcement of the law against 10 Planned Parenthood clinics that do not perform abortions. Her latest ruling expands that protection to all Planned Parenthood locations nationwide.
She clarified that the injunction does not require the federal government to fund abortion or any service not covered by Medicaid, nor does it require spending beyond what is already appropriated.
Medicaid serves approximately 70 million low-income Americans. For decades, providers like Planned Parenthood have received reimbursement for non-abortion services, despite performing abortions at some locations.
The case is ongoing, and the preliminary injunction will remain in effect while the constitutional challenge is resolved in court.
