Federal judge strengthens injunction protecting Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood affiliates amid First Amendment concerns and potential clinic closures.

Judge Stands Firm on Funding Freeze

July 12, 2025: U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani has reaffirmed her temporary restraining order blocking the Donald Trump administration from implementing a provision in its new domestic spending law that would cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood. Despite pressure from the Department of Justice, the judge reissued a revised injunction, emphasizing Planned Parenthood’s strong likelihood of success in challenging the law’s constitutionality.

Why the Law Matters

The funding provision, part of the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill,” prohibits Medicaid reimbursements to organizations providing abortion services and their affiliates—even those offering non-abortion medical care. Planned Parenthood argued this provision would devastate services like cancer screenings, STI testing, and birth control counseling at nearly 200 clinics in 24 states.

First Amendment & Legal Red Flags

Judge Talwani highlighted how the defunding measure infringed on Planned Parenthood affiliates’ First Amendment rights of association. She noted that the law creates confusion for affiliates that don’t perform abortions yet work closely under the same organizational umbrella—but are still penalized financially.

Reality on the Ground

Even after President Trump signed the bill into law, some Planned Parenthood affiliates briefly suspended Medicaid services. Thanks to the court’s earlier order, several locations—including those in Florida—resumed treating Medicaid patients. Others continue grappling with uncertainty and scheduling chaos.

What Comes Next

An oral hearing is scheduled for July 18, where arguments will determine whether the injunction becomes permanent. DOJ attorneys have filed motions to dissolve the order, calling it a “highly unusual” judicial overstep, and are challenging its procedural basis.

Why This Ruling Is Significant

Preserves access to essential care for low-income and Medicaid patients reliant on Planned Parenthood.

Reinforces the limits of congressional authority—especially when legislation targets a specific organization.

Highlights constitutional protections even when providers are controversial.

By reaffirming her injunction, Judge Talwani has maintained Medicaid access for Planned Parenthood affiliates—delivering a court rebuke to the Trump administration’s attempt to defund the organization. With a key hearing approaching, the fight over reproductive healthcare funding remains at the heart of this legal showdown.