Key moderate Republicans are quietly pushing back against efforts to defund Planned Parenthood through the upcoming reconciliation package, according to sources cited by NOTUS. During a closed-door meeting with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), lawmakers including Reps. Mike Lawler (R-NY), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA) reportedly voiced concern about using the budget process to cut Medicaid funding to the nation’s largest abortion provider.
Pro-life groups have long demanded that Republicans eliminate taxpayer funding for Planned Parenthood, citing the organization’s role in performing hundreds of thousands of abortions annually. While the Hyde Amendment prohibits direct federal funding of abortion procedures, pro-life lawmakers argue that all funding for abortion providers should be eliminated.
Speaker Johnson had previously stated at a Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America gala that the reconciliation bill would “redirect funds away from big abortion,” though he later said defunding Planned Parenthood specifically “was not on our agenda.”
Rep. Fitzpatrick stressed the need for a “simple” reconciliation package and suggested Republicans should focus on other policy issues. Lawler expressed hesitation, noting he had not seen specific legislative language and emphasized Planned Parenthood’s non-abortion services.
Following the report, a spokesperson for Rep. Kiggans clarified her position, stating she is “proudly pro-life” and supports Medicaid reforms that strengthen the program without specifically confirming her stance on Planned Parenthood defunding.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee, responsible for crafting the reconciliation package and tasked with cutting $880 billion, has reportedly floated the idea of defunding Planned Parenthood in multiple private meetings. The reconciliation process would allow Republicans to pass defunding measures in the Senate without needing 60 votes.
President Donald Trump has encouraged congressional Republicans to pass his legislative agenda through reconciliation in what he called “One Big Beautiful Bill.” Earlier this year, the Trump administration froze $120 million in federal Planned Parenthood grants and tens of millions in Title X funds to nine of its state affiliates.
Planned Parenthood’s most recent annual report shows it received $699.3 million in taxpayer funding, making up 34 percent of its $2.1 billion in total income. According to the Charlotte Lozier Institute, taxpayer funding for the organization has surged by 43 percent since 2010. In 2021-2022, Planned Parenthood performed nearly 393,000 abortions—up five percent from the previous year—while total services declined 17 percent.
