L.A. Leaders Stand Behind Planned Parenthood

Defending Reproductive Rights Amid Federal Funding Threats

As the Trump administration pushes forward with efforts to reduce federal funding for Planned Parenthood, a significant number of Los Angeles-area officials have come together to stand in support of the organization. This group provides essential sexual and reproductive health care services to over 1.1 million patients nationwide.

Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove, a Democrat from Los Angeles, spearheaded a press conference downtown alongside L.A. County officials. The event aimed to highlight concerns about what they see as a potential public health crisis if federal funding is cut from Planned Parenthood.

Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed a budget reconciliation bill that included a provision to "defund" Planned Parenthood health centers across the country. This policy would prevent the organization and its affiliated groups from receiving Medicaid funding for non-abortion health services for a year.

In response, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America filed a lawsuit challenging this policy. Under the Hyde Amendment, federal funds are typically not used to pay for abortion services, with only a few exceptions. However, this new provision would stop health care providers who offer abortion services and received more than $800,000 in Medicaid funding in 2023 from getting similar funding for other types of care for one year.

A judge issued a temporary restraining order on behalf of Planned Parenthood, but it is set to expire soon. Kamlager-Dove, co-chair of the Planned Parenthood L.A. Board, described the federal policy as an attack on reproductive rights. She argued that since the Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs, which overturned Roe v. Wade, the administration has found a way to implement a backdoor abortion ban through the Big Ugly Bill.

She emphasized California's commitment to reproductive freedom, stating that the state will not be intimidated or silenced. Her message was clear: the fight for Planned Parenthood, its providers, and its patients continues.

L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell pointed out that cutting Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood threatens not just clinics, but also the people who depend on them. She highlighted that this move directly affects Black and Brown communities, low-income families, and others who rely on Planned Parenthood as their primary source of healthcare.

Planned Parenthood receives reimbursement for services provided to patients. If they lose federal funding, they may not be able to provide services to those who use Medicaid for health coverage. In California, more than 80% of patients use Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. This means many could lose access to critical services like birth control, cancer screenings, STI testing, and treatment.

Barbara Ferrer, director of the county’s Department of Public Health, noted that Planned Parenthood operates 24 health centers in Los Angeles, serving communities that have long been underserved. She warned that singling out the organization disrupts the delivery of high-quality medical care and the provider-patient relationship for thousands of people. This move, she said, deepens existing health inequities and threatens the well-being of many.

Sue Dunlap, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, stressed that losing federal funding would be a disaster for public health, especially for young people, women, and families who rely on the organization. She reassured patients that the facilities will remain open and that care will continue. “We’ve been here for 60 years and we have no intention of going anywhere,” she said.

On the other side, the Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America organization praised the Trump administration's actions. They view the budget as a historic victory for the pro-life movement, arguing that it stops a significant amount of taxpayer money from being used to fund the abortion industry. The group claims that there are now more accessible and comprehensive community health centers available for women to choose from, making alternatives to Planned Parenthood more viable.