DOJ Appeals Ruling Halting Planned Parenthood Defunding
Government Challenges Injunction on First Amendment Grounds; Block Remains in Place Pending Review
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani’s temporary injunction partially blocking a federal law from cutting Medicaid funds to certain Planned Parenthood affiliates faces an appeal, as the Department of Justice filed a notice today challenging the decision on behalf of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz.
The appeal, lodged in the First Circuit, contests the July 21, 2025, ruling that Section 71113 of the Reconciliation Act likely violates First Amendment associational rights and equal protection by forcing non-abortion-providing affiliates to disaffiliate from the Planned Parenthood Federation to retain funding. As previously reported, the law targets tax-exempt family planning nonprofits providing elective abortions (with limited exceptions) and their affiliates exceeding $800,000 in FY 2023 Medicaid reimbursements.
Read the backstory:
Court Blocks Partial Planned Parenthood Defunding in Medicaid Ruling
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued a temporary injunction partially blocking a new federal law that cuts Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood, ruling today that it likely burdens First Amendment associational rights and denies equal protection.
Read the full order: HERE