Planned Parenthood is taking legal action to block a provision in President Donald Trump’s recent legislation that will have significant implications for the organization. The provision, included in a nearly 900-page bill signed on July 4, prohibits clinics that provide abortions, like Planned Parenthood, from accepting Medicaid for other reproductive health services. The use of federal funds for most abortions has long been restricted under the 1976 Hyde Amendment. The new measure by Republicans expands upon these funding restrictions, preventing patients at abortion-providing clinics from using Medicaid coverage for services such as contraception and STD testing.
In a lawsuit filed on July 7, Planned Parenthood argues that this rule is unconstitutional and will severely impact their network of health care centers across the country. Following the passage of the bill by the GOP-controlled Congress, Planned Parenthood immediately indicated their intention to challenge the provision. While the legislation does not explicitly name Planned Parenthood, the organization’s President Alexis McGill Johnson labeled it as a “targeted attack.”
Planned Parenthood emphasizes the importance of access to high-quality and affordable health care for all individuals. They vow to fight against what they see as an unjust assault by the Trump administration. The organization warns that the temporary funding block could have dire consequences, potentially leading to the closure of one-third of their clinics.
The legislation coincides with a recent Supreme Court ruling that limits patients’ ability to contest states’ decisions on Medicaid provider eligibility. This development is seen as a victory for anti-abortion groups, who view it as a significant step forward in their cause.
In 2024, Rep. Hawkins from Louisiana celebrated the pro-life vote, stating, “The pro-life movement continues to see success.” President Donald Trump signed a comprehensive spending and tax bill dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” on July 4, 2025, using a gavel at the White House. Hawkins and other abortion opponents emphasized their aim to defund Planned Parenthood under the new administration. Lila Rose, an anti-abortion activist, highlighted the opportunity with pro-life majorities in Congress, hoping it would be maximized. This piece was originally published on USA TODAY discussing Trump’s bill with a provision regarding Planned Parenthood.
