Article Summary –
H.R. 1, a 1,000-page legislative package passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, proposes billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid, targeting organizations providing abortion services like Planned Parenthood, which currently serves millions of patients across the U.S. Despite the Hyde Amendment already prohibiting federal funding for abortions except in emergencies, Republican lawmakers argue for further restrictions, threatening access to a range of reproductive health services. Critics, including Planned Parenthood and various health professionals, warn that these cuts would severely impact vulnerable communities, especially in rural areas, by removing essential health care services and exacerbating economic and health disparities.
During the early morning of May 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1 by a narrow 215-214 vote, advancing President Donald Trump’s comprehensive 1,000-page legislative package. This bill proposes cuts to Medicaid that could affect reproductive health care access for many Americans.
Dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” it seeks to reduce Medicaid funds to abortion-providing organizations, including Planned Parenthood.
Republican figures, such as Sen. Rand Paul, introduced the Defund Planned Parenthood Act, aiming to stop Medicaid reimbursements, although the Hyde Amendment already bans federal funding for abortions, except in emergencies.
The Hill reported that the Congressional Budget Office predicts it will add $2.3 trillion to the deficit over 10 years. The Center on Budget Priorities and Policy states it could bar Medicaid reimbursements for essential reproductive health services.
Planned Parenthood noted over 2 million visits to its clinics in 2022-2023, with KFF reporting one in ten women of reproductive age on Medicaid use their services.
On May 22, Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood, stated that defunding threatens essential health services, possibly closing 200 centers and impacting 1.1 million patients.
“Make no mistake, Planned Parenthood is being targeted,” McGill Johnson said at a May 21 news conference, emphasizing the broader impact on vital health services.
In Wisconsin, a 2023 report indicated up to 1.47 million Medicaid enrollees, about 18% of the state’s residents.
Michelle Velasquez from Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin warned of risks to essential care like cancer screenings and wellness visits, highlighting the potential loss of affordable options.
There are 21 Planned Parenthood locations in Wisconsin, serving over 50,000 patients in 2024.
Kristin Lyerly, a Wisconsin obstetrician-gynecologist, criticized the bill’s impact on rural communities, emphasizing its social, economic, and health consequences.
Nashotah oncology nurse Gracie Ladd advocated for patient rights, sharing her experience of seeking abortion care out-of-state due to restrictive policies.
Ladd urged expansion of care access, criticizing efforts to dismantle Medicaid and undermine maternal health during a maternal mortality crisis.
Despite repeated promises to protect Medicaid, Trump has voiced plans to veto budget cuts during a May 4 “Meet the Press” appearance, focusing on eliminating fraud and abuse instead.
H.R. 1 now awaits Senate consideration.
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