Article Summary –
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed H.R. 1, a legislative package that includes significant Medicaid cuts affecting reproductive health care services and organizations like Planned Parenthood, despite the Hyde Amendment’s existing prohibition on federal funding for abortion. The Congressional Budget Office projects the bill will add $2.3 trillion to the deficit over a decade, and it restricts Medicaid reimbursements for various reproductive health services, potentially leading to the closure of Planned Parenthood centers and loss of care for over 1.1 million patients. Despite President Trump’s earlier promises to veto any budget bill with Medicaid cuts, the bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
In the early hours of May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed H.R. 1 with a 215-214 vote, advancing President Trump’s extensive 1,000-page legislative proposal. The bill proposes significant Medicaid cuts, threatening reproductive health care access for millions.
Known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” it aims to reduce Medicaid funding to abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood.
Republicans like Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who introduced the Defund Planned Parenthood Act, argue against federal tax dollars funding abortion care. However, the Hyde Amendment already restricts federal abortion funding except in life-threatening situations.
According to The Hill, the Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill adds $2.3 trillion to the deficit over ten years. The Center on Budget Priorities and Policy reports it would block Medicaid reimbursements for various reproductive health services.
Planned Parenthood served over 2 million patients in 2022-2023, and KFF notes one in 10 women of reproductive age on Medicaid use these clinics for family planning.
In a statement on May 22, Planned Parenthood CEO Alexis McGill Johnson highlighted the dangers of defunding, warning that millions could lose essential health services.
McGill Johnson stressed at a May 21 conference that Medicaid reimburses Planned Parenthood for services like any other provider, and the bill aims to end abortion access nationwide.
Approximately 2.8 million Pennsylvanians use Medicaid, with 20,000 relying on Planned Parenthood for care.
Signe Espinoza of Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates warned that Medicaid cuts would force tough choices between health and basic needs, while the wealthy benefit from tax cuts.
Trump, in a recent interview, pledged to veto any budget bill that includes Medicaid cuts, focusing instead on reducing waste and fraud.
The bill now moves to the Senate for further review.
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