Planned Parenthood intensified its efforts on Capitol Hill as staff and supporters sought to secure federal funds against ongoing Republican efforts to block them. Photo credits to Jeff Roberson/AP.
A provision from last year’s legislation, branded as the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act,’ had halted Planned Parenthood health centers from billing Medicaid for services like contraception and cancer screenings. Medicaid is a primary funding source for the organization, and this legislation cut over $700 million in annual funding. This provision is set to expire on July 4, potentially reopening Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood.
Opposition groups focusing on anti-abortion goals are urging Republicans to prolong the provision. In response, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and its regional allies organized over 250 supporters for a lobbying event on Capitol Hill, emphasizing patient testimonies.
“Democrats are making every effort. One of their strongest tactics is using patient stories, and that’s where our involvement counts,” explained Jess Clem, a patient advocate from Minnesota, speaking to lawmakers.
Coinciding with this, the House Appropriations Committee examined the FY 2027 HHS funding bill containing a proposal to cut Planned Parenthood funding. House Republicans also aim to use the reconciliation process to permanently restrict Medicaid users from accessing services at Planned Parenthood centers.
“Defunding Planned Parenthood is unpopular and politically damaging; it directly affects health and safety,” stated Nora Walsh-DeVries, PPFA’s vice president of political and legislative affairs.
Walsh-DeVries emphasized the ongoing threat, whether the reconciliation package succeeds or not, especially with an end-of-year lame-duck Congress looming. “We can’t afford to relax our efforts,” Walsh-DeVries expressed.
Planned Parenthood is collaborating with Democrats to strategize protective measures for reproductive health in future Democrat-controlled Congress sessions. Walsh-DeVries highlighted the need for legislative safeguards and ensuring their return to Medicaid funding remains untouchable.
In other health policy news:
- The Biden administration launched a global study in 2022 on alcohol consumption effects, which faced publication delays in the Trump era due to industry pressures. The study has now been released.
- A Social Security report indicated potential funding issues by late 2032, prompting calls for protective actions from AARP.
- Vice President Vance announced potential DOJ referrals for the Minnesota Governor and Attorney General over fraud allegations.
Other Notable Health Updates
The FDA has approved the first new sunscreen ingredient in over two decades, bemotrizinol, recognized for both UVA and UVB protection with minimal skin absorption.
Local Highlights
- Utah grapples with a measles outbreak affecting families and healthcare providers.
- A report highlights risk of closure for roughly 20% of rural hospitals in Virginia.
- Health and safety requirements for immigrant detention facilities in Colorado spark legal backlash from GEO Group.
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