Slate Daily Feed What Next | How Planned Parenthood Got Defunded
Nov 24, 2025
Shefali Luthra, a reproductive health reporter at The 19th, dives into the severe impacts of federal funding cuts on Planned Parenthood and other clinics. George Hill, President and CEO of Maine Family Planning, shares the operational challenges faced by his clinics and the tough choice to maintain essential services like abortion amid budget pressures. Together, they explore the political maneuvers behind defunding, the effects on local healthcare access, and the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the face of escalating restrictions.
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Federal Funding Collapse Strains Clinics
- A sudden loss of federal funding has caused about a third of Planned Parenthood's budget to evaporate, forcing clinic closures and scaled-back services.
- Shefali Luthra explains that frozen grants and policy changes made many clinics suddenly unable to accept federal payments and keep doors open.
Political Goal Finally Achieved
- The anti-abortion movement long sought to defund Planned Parenthood and finally got Congressional leverage this year to change Medicaid rules.
- Shefali Luthra notes Congress only recently had the votes to craft a policy that could specifically cut Planned Parenthood out.
Title X Freeze Disrupted Budgets
- Title X funds were frozen for many grantees after the HHS accused providers of violating civil rights via equity language.
- Shefali Luthra explains millions were withheld, disrupting budgets and forcing clinics to revise services even if funding was later restored.
