Federal Judge Blocks Medicaid Defunding of Planned Parenthood Nationwide

President Donald Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” on July 4, redirecting Medicaid funds away from abortion providers like Planned Parenthood for one year, resulting in the closure of over 30 Planned Parenthood facilities nationwide. However, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued an injunction blocking this provision, ruling it unconstitutional as a bill of attainder, which led to criticism from The Washington Post and legal experts who argue the judiciary overstepped Congress's spending authority. Multiple states, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta along with 21 other states and the District of Columbia, filed lawsuits challenging the funding cuts, claiming the law is vague and violates Planned Parenthood’s First Amendment rights. Despite Talwani’s injunction allowing Medicaid funds to continue to Planned Parenthood, the defunding measure has advanced a key legislative priority for social conservatives, though ongoing appeals and lawsuits keep the funding status uncertain. Critics argue the abortion giant is using the legal battles as a public relations strategy while the Trump administration and allied groups seek to permanently defund Planned Parenthood. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches over abortion funding and federal spending authority.