A federal appeals court has temporarily cleared the path for the Trump administration to enforce a law that would block Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood and similar entities. The decision lifts a lower-court injunction, letting the funding cut proceed while legal challenges continue.
The funding restriction stems from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed by Congress and signed into law, which bars tax-exempt organizations that perform abortions from receiving Medicaid reimbursements. The law applies for one year and targets organizations that, in 2023, received more than $800,000 in Medicaid payments.
As a result of the funding restriction, up to 200 of Planned Parenthood’s nearly 600 clinics could be forced to shut down.
In July, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued a preliminary injunction, saying the law likely violates the Constitution by singling out abortion providers as a “bill of attainder.” However, the appeals court panel overturned Talwani’s block, finding that the administration should be allowed to enforce the law while litigation continues.
The Trump administration holds firm that taxpayer dollars should not support organizations that perform elective abortions. The continuing legal battle will have significant ramifications for or against the pro-life movement. If the restriction is upheld, the largest abortion provider in the nation, Planned Parenthood, will be significantly hamstrung in its promoting of the evils of abortion.