A federal judge in Boston issued a ruling on Monday blocking the Trump administration’s decision to cut federal Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood clinics nationwide. The judge, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, stated that this action is likely unconstitutional and violates the group’s First Amendment rights.
Judge Talwani, an Obama appointee, granted Planned Parenthood’s request for a nationwide preliminary injunction. She emphasized the potential adverse health consequences patients may face if care is disrupted or unavailable.
She highlighted the increased risk of unintended pregnancies and complications due to reduced access to contraceptives, as well as the rise in undiagnosed and untreated STIs.
Judge Talwani also acknowledged that Planned Parenthood had shown the court they were likely to succeed in their lawsuit, citing the harm patients and clinics would suffer from the lost Medicaid funding.
Planned Parenthood had filed a lawsuit against the Medicaid cuts, which were part of a bill passed by the Republican-led Congress and signed into law by President Trump on July 4.
The plaintiffs argued that as many as one million patients nationwide could face grave health risks due to the cuts, including possible increases in cancer and undetected STIs, particularly in low-income communities. They also pointed out the potential rise in unplanned pregnancies resulting from the loss of contraception access.
Judge Talwani’s order is expected to affect nearly 600 health centers operated by Planned Parenthood across the country. The Trump administration is likely to appeal this decision and may seek an administrative stay from higher courts.
The administration has been successful in filing emergency orders to the Supreme Court in the past. The high court has ruled in Trump’s favor in the majority of cases filed through emergency applications.
Reporting contributed by Ashley Oliver of Fox News.
