BOSTON — Today, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction, blocking the provision in the reconciliation law that unconstitutionally “defunds” Planned Parenthood from going back into effect. This means that patients can use Medicaid at Planned Parenthood health centers, and Planned Parenthood health centers can receive reimbursements for the essential services they provide.
As the judge wrote in her order, “Patients are likely to suffer adverse health consequences where care is disrupted or unavailable. In particular, 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.”
Last week, the court granted relief for only some Planned Parenthood member organizations, forcing many health centers to stop billing for Medicaid services and leaving patients without options for their care. The order today now grants relief from this unconstitutional law for all Planned Parenthood member organizations.
This case was brought by Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts, and Planned Parenthood Association of Utah after President Trump signed the law, which stops patients from using Medicaid as their insurance at Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide.
Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood Federation of America:
“As this case continues, patients across the country can still go to their trusted Planned Parenthood provider for care using Medicaid. We will keep fighting this cruel law so that everyone can get birth control, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, and other critical health care, no matter their insurance.”
Statement from Dominique Lee, president and CEO, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts:
“We’re encouraged by today’s ruling, which protects access to care for Medicaid patients in Massachusetts while this case moves forward. At a time when reproductive health care access is under constant attack, this decision is a powerful reminder that patients, not politics, should guide health care. In Massachusetts and beyond, we will keep fighting to ensure everyone can turn to the provider they trust, no matter their insurance or ZIP code.”
Statement from Shireen Ghorbani, interim president, Planned Parenthood Association of Utah:
“We are grateful that now all Planned Parenthood patients with Medicaid can come to their local health centers for the high-quality, essential care they need. Generations have relied on Planned Parenthood as experts in sexual and reproductive health care and as a welcoming and trusted provider in their communities. We will continue this fight in the courts to protect our patients’ freedom to get the care they need.”
Read more about the case here.