Planned Parenthood Seeks to Secure Funding

Planned Parenthood actively engaged with lawmakers on Capitol Hill as they opposed Republican efforts to cut off federal funding. The previous year, a significant bill restricted Planned Parenthood’s centers from billing Medicaid for services like contraception and cancer screenings. This funding source loss amounted to over $700 million annually for Planned Parenthood.

The provision restricting Medicaid billing expires on July 4, offering Planned Parenthood the chance to regain substantial Medicaid funding. However, anti-abortion groups are lobbying Republicans to extend the provision. In response, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, along with regional affiliates, organized a lobbying day with over 250 supporters, including patients who shared their stories.

Democrats see patient stories as a crucial tool in their advocacy. Jess Clem, a patient advocate from Minnesota, emphasized their role in speaking to lawmakers. This initiative coincided with the House Appropriations Committee’s review of the FY 2027 HHS funding bill, which includes a proposal to ‘defund’ Planned Parenthood.

“Defunding Planned Parenthood is not only incredibly unpopular and politically toxic, it’s making people less healthy, less safe,” said Nora Walsh-DeVries, vice president of political and legislative affairs at PPFA. “The threat is very real, and whether or not they’re able to pass this next reconciliation package, there’s also a lame-duck Congress waiting at the end of the year.”

Walsh-DeVries also noted their proactive discussions with Democrats, aiming to safeguard reproductive health access the next time the party gains congressional control. She highlighted the importance of legislative safeguards and reintegrating Planned Parenthood into Medicaid in an untouchable manner.

Additionally, the Biden administration has initiated a study on drinking effects with international collaboration. After delays attributed to the previous administration, the study’s findings were finally released. Meanwhile, discussions continue on Social Security’s future, with calls for its protection as outlined in the annual trustees’ report.

On a state level, the Department of Justice has been referred incidents of alleged fraud involving Minnesota officials. Moreover, the FDA approved bemotrizinol as a new sunscreen ingredient, marking the first addition in over two decades. It provides protection against ultraviolet rays with minimal skin absorption.

In other health sector news, health care challenges persist, such as a measles outbreak in Utah and rural hospital closures in Virginia. Legal battles over health and safety inspections in immigrant detention facilities are ongoing in Colorado.