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A federal judge has partially blocked the Trump administration from enforcing a funding ban against Planned Parenthood. On Monday (July 21), U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani granted a preliminary injunction, preventing the administration from stripping Medicaid funds from certain Planned Parenthood facilities while a lawsuit plays out. This injunction applies to Planned Parenthood entities that do not provide abortions or receive less than $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements annually.
The funding ban is part of President Donald Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," signed into law on July 4. This legislation aims to cut federal funding for health care providers that offer abortion services, impacting Planned Parenthood's ability to provide other health services like cancer screenings and STI treatments. Planned Parenthood warned that nearly 200 clinics could close due to the funding cuts.
Judge Talwani, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, noted that the law could violate Planned Parenthood's First Amendment rights by restricting funds based on their affiliation with abortion services. The judge emphasized that the injunction poses minimal harm to the administration while the case proceeds.
Planned Parenthood expressed gratitude for the court's recognition of the law's harm but voiced disappointment that not all members received relief. They remain hopeful for further judicial action. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is expected to appeal the decision to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
The case highlights ongoing legal battles over reproductive health funding and the broader implications for health care services in the United States.