Anti-Abortion Groups Rally in Washington to Target Planned Parenthood Funding
In Washington, major anti-abortion organizations convened to advocate for the cessation of federal funding to Planned Parenthood. With a unified call to action, these groups aim to influence Congress and the Trump administration to cut off Medicaid funding to the reproductive health care provider, a campaign dubbed Defund Planned Parenthood.
Over 150 groups endorsed a letter pressing Congress to reduce Medicaid support for organizations like Planned Parenthood that provide abortion services. Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life, declared, “Today is a historic moment where the pro-life movement stands united behind one message: Defund Planned Parenthood,” as the rally unfolded near the U.S. Capitol.
Hawkins urged President Trump and Republican leaders to withdraw financial support from what she termed their “political enemies.” Meanwhile, Vicki Ringer from Planned Parenthood of South Carolina countered the claims, stating that Medicaid funds do not finance abortions at Planned Parenthood, which offers a broader spectrum of reproductive health services.
According to Planned Parenthood’s annual report from 2023, abortion constitutes less than 5% of its services, with a significant focus on contraception and sexually transmitted infection management. Ringer emphasized the organization’s vital role in providing health care access to low-income communities.
Rachel Rebouche, dean of Temple University’s Beasley School of Law, highlighted the momentum gained by the Defund Planned Parenthood campaign following Trump’s election and the Republican congressional victories. Rebouche noted heightened efforts in states such as South Carolina to shut down Planned Parenthood under anti-abortion pretexts.
High-ranking officials, including Tina Whittington from Students for Life, expressed confidence that under President Trump’s administration, efforts to cut Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid funding could advance. They also suggested that Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency might play a role in these cost-cutting initiatives.
The Supreme Court’s decision to hear a case regarding South Carolina’s attempt to withdraw Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood could spur similar legislative actions in other conservative states, potentially affecting the organization’s financial stability nationwide.
During a previous attempt in 2015 to defund Planned Parenthood, the Congressional Budget Office projected that such a move would result in a $130 million increase in government spending over a decade. Concurrently, states like Missouri, Ohio, and South Carolina are considering legislation to offer tax incentives for anti-abortion centers.
While President Trump has been cautious in immediately adopting calls to restrict Medicaid funding for abortion-providing clinics, he has made several moves aligning with anti-abortion sentiments. These include reinstating a policy affecting foreign NGOs and pardoning activists convicted of obstructing abortion clinics.
Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville labeled Trump as “the most pro-life president in history” during the rally, asserting that no taxpayer money should fund abortions. Marjorie Dannenfelser of SBA Pro-Life America voiced optimism for legislative measures against Planned Parenthood due to Republican control of the government.
Both sides of the abortion debate are monitoring whether Trump’s Department of Justice might revive the Comstock Act to restrict the distribution of abortion-related materials. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s confirmation, celebrated by abortion foes, could signal future actions against abortion rights.
As the rally continued, some observers expressed support for Planned Parenthood, underscoring its critical role in delivering health care to underserved communities. Haven Wright, a visitor to Washington, shared personal experiences of receiving essential reproductive health care from Planned Parenthood, asserting that “women deserve a choice.”
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