MADISON, Wis. (Civitas Global) — Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin resumed scheduling abortions on Monday after a nearly month-long pause caused by changes in federal Medicaid funding due to President Donald Trump’s new tax and spending law that came into effect at the start of October.
The organization confirmed it can now schedule abortions as of noon, stating that it no longer classifies as a “prohibited entity” under the new federal regulations, allowing it to obtain Medicaid funding once again.
Tanya Atkinson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, stated that the organization decided to drop its designation as an “essential community provider” as delineated in the Affordable Care Act. This adjustment is estimated to not significantly alter the cost for abortion procedures or other services provided by the organization.
“Based on our evaluations, we anticipate minimal impact on patient access,” Atkinson expressed. “Should this choice affect our financial status, we will reassess our approach moving forward.”
A Growing Battle Over Abortion Funding
Abortion funding has come under increasing scrutiny across the nation, especially targeting affiliates of Planned Parenthood, the largest provider in the U.S. The landscape has altered rapidly since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2022 granting states the authority to impose abortion bans. Currently, twelve states have instituted sweeping bans with limited exceptions, while four others prohibit abortions after roughly six weeks’ gestation.
Planned Parenthood has raised alarms that nationwide, nearly half of its abortion-providing clinics could face closure due to new federal funding restrictions.
Wisconsin represents a unique case, where despite the legality of abortion, the Republican-dominated legislature has enacted numerous restrictive measures against access. According to Atkinson, Wisconsin was the sole state where abortions were fully paused in response to the federal law changes.
The Impact of the Suspension
During the 26-day moratorium on abortions, individuals looking for services in southeastern Wisconsin resorted to seeking alternatives, including traveling to nearby Chicago, which is within a three-hour distance from local Planned Parenthood clinics.
Affiliated Medical Services and Care for All also provide abortion services in Milwaukee, furthering the options available. Atkinson noted that quantifying the impact of the pause on women seeking abortions was challenging, stating there were no clear statistics available regarding women who had to find alternative services.
Planned Parenthood serves roughly 50,000 clients annually, with approximately 60% relying on Medicaid coverage. The organization emphasized the immediate need to continue receiving Medicaid funding, which prompted the relinquishment of the essential community provider status.
Considerations for Medicaid Funding
According to a recent court filing on behalf of U.S. Health and Human Services, family planning entities could continue receiving Medicaid payments as long as they surrendered either their tax-exempt status or their essential community provider designation.
By relinquishing the latter, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin now qualifies to receive federal Medicaid funds again while maintaining its tax-exempt status. Atkinson described the legal provision as complex but indicated confidence that it would not hinder the organization’s ability to deliver both abortion and other essential healthcare services.
In its comprehensive scope of services, Planned Parenthood also offers cancer screenings and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. Although Medicaid funds have historically not covered abortion, many affiliates have relied on these funds for operational sustainability. Following the law’s implementation, non-abortion services are expected to expand.
Between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, Planned Parenthood reported conducting 3,727 abortions within Wisconsin.
