A federal judge has issued a nationwide injunction blocking enforcement of a Trump-backed law that would have stripped Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood affiliates. The ruling brands the provision unconstitutional and halts the defunding measure across the country.
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani determined the July 4, “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” provision likely punishes Planned Parenthood without trial, constituting an unconstitutional “bill of attainder.” Talwani found probable violations of the First and Fifth Amendments, noting that the provision specifically targets Planned Parenthood even as many affiliates provide non-abortion services. Under the law, any tax‑exempt organization providing abortion services and receiving over $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements in 2023 would lose funding for one year, even for services unrelated to abortion.
Talwani emphasized that disruptions to Medicaid care would likely cause severe public health consequences. She cited risks including increases in unintended pregnancies, undiagnosed sexually transmitted infections, and reduced access to testing and cancer screening services—especially in underserved communities.
Planned Parenthood warned nearly 200 clinics across 24 states could face closure and more than one million patients might lose access to care without Medicaid reimbursement.
The White House commented on the ruling, stating: “We strongly disagree with the court’s decision… States should not be forced to fund organizations that have chosen political advocacy over patient care. This ruling undermines state flexibility and disregards longstanding concerns about accountability.”
Earlier versions of the injunction applied only to select affiliates. Talwani’s July 28 ruling extends protections to Planned Parenthood affiliates nationwide.
Legal experts noted that the case could set a precedent regarding judicial power. Critics argue that the ruling represents judicial overreach, as it effectively mandates spending that Congress declined to authorize.
