A Massachusetts district judge extended a temporary restraining order Friday blocking the enforcement of a new provision that would cut Medicaid funding to certain Planned Parenthood health centers.
Obama-appointed federal Judge Indira Talwani ruled that a provision of the Reconciliation Act, which would prevent Medicaid reimbursements to organizations providing abortions and meeting certain financial criteria, including receiving over $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements in 2023, could not be enforced. The ruling specifically impacts the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and its affiliates, including the Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Association of Utah.
“Defendants, their agents, employees, appointees, successors, and anyone acting in concert or participation with Defendants shall take all steps necessary to ensure that Medicaid funding continues to be disbursed in the customary manner and timeframes to Planned Parenthood Federation of America’s members, including but not limited to Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood Association of Utah,” the order states.
The court required Planned Parenthood to post a nominal bond of $100 by July 15, 2025. The order will remain in effect until at least July 21, 2025, unless further amended. The decision marks a temporary victory for Planned Parenthood, securing continued Medicaid funding for its health centers while the legal battle over the provision continues.
The court’s decision came in response to a motion that Planned Parenthood filed, arguing that the law would cause significant disruptions in healthcare services for Medicaid patients.
In issuing the restraining order, the court said the plaintiffs were likely to succeed in their challenge to the constitutionality of the law.
The judge said the law caused irreparable harm, adding that the disruption of healthcare services cannot be undone after the fact. While the court acknowledged the defendants’ procedural objections, it upheld the temporary restraining order to prevent immediate harm while a full hearing is scheduled.
(Featured Image Media Credit: Screen Capture/PBS NewsHour)
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