A federal judge in Boston on Monday blocked the Trump administration’s effort to end federal Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide, ruling that the measure was likely unconstitutional and in violation of the group’s First Amendment protections. U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, an Obama appointee, issued the order, granting Planned Parenthood’s request for a nationwide preliminary injunction. The judge emphasized that the move would disrupt healthcare access for millions, likely leading to increased unintended pregnancies and untreated sexually transmitted infections, particularly in low-income communities.
Planned Parenthood attorneys had previously sued over the Medicaid cuts, which were enacted under a provision of the ‘one big beautiful bill’ passed by a Republican-led Congress and signed by President Trump on July 4. Plaintiffs argued that the cuts would cause ‘grave’ health risks to as many as one million patients nationwide. They also warned of possible increases in cancer and undiagnosed STIs, especially in underserved communities. The judge cited these potential harms in her ruling, stating that patients are likely to suffer adverse health consequences where care is disrupted or unavailable.
The administration is expected to appeal the decision, potentially leading to a showdown with the Supreme Court. The Trump administration has previously found success in obtaining emergency rulings on the ‘shadow docket,’ with the Supreme Court ruling in its favor in most cases filed via emergency applications. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for healthcare access and policy in the United States, as it underscores the ongoing legal battles over reproductive rights and women’s health care services.