Federal Court Approves Trump's Defunding of Planned Parenthood

BOSTON — A federal appeals court has overturned a lower court ruling, allowing the Trump administration to cut Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, marking a major win for pro-life advocates.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, in a unanimous 3-0 decision on September 12, 2025, lifted a preliminary injunction issued by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani in July.

The ruling upholds a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by Congress, which bars Medicaid reimbursements to tax-exempt organizations performing abortions, including Planned Parenthood, which received over $800,000 in 2023 funding.

The panel, consisting of Biden appointees Judges Gelpi, Montecalvo, and Aframe, found no constitutional violation, aligning with a June 2025 Supreme Court decision in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. This permits states to exclude such groups from Medicaid.

Marjorie Dannenfelser of SBA Pro-Life America hailed the ruling, noting it reflects public opposition to funding abortions. Planned Parenthood warns of potential clinic closures, though funding could resume if it ceases abortions.

The case may head to the Supreme Court.

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