BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland’s Attorney General, Anthony G. Brown, has teamed up with 20 other state attorneys general to submit an amicus brief in support of Planned Parenthood, as it faces a legal challenge against the federal government’s efforts to cut funding for the reproductive healthcare organization.
The brief, filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, backs Planned Parenthood in its case against the Trump-era Defund Provision — a measure included in the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill Act” that blocks federal Medicaid funding for healthcare services provided at organizations deemed “prohibited entities.” Critics argue that the criteria for “prohibited entities” are narrowly tailored to target Planned Parenthood specifically.
In a statement on Friday, Attorney General Brown said the federal government was “using access to quality healthcare as a political football.”
“The federal government is using access to quality healthcare as a political football.” Maryland’s Attorney General, Anthony G. Brown. “We will not stand by while it strips away essential health services from those who need them most.”
“Defunding Planned Parenthood to score political points will deny healthcare to more than 1.1 million people nationwide. In many instances, these patients have no other affordable option for cancer screenings, contraception, primary care, pregnancy tests and prenatal care and STI testing and treatment. This is unlawful and deeply hurtful, and we’re fighting on every possible front to stop it,” said California Attorney General Tong.
“‘Defunding’ Planned Parenthood is decimating abortion access nationwide and harming the 1.1 million patients with Medicaid insurance who come to Planned Parenthood health centers for care every year, including nearly 25,000 patients here in Connecticut. Planned Parenthood is fighting back in court because everyone should have the freedom to decide who their health care provider is and to get quality, affordable care. We thank Attorney General Tong for filing this amicus brief in support of Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s unconstitutional attack on our reproductive freedom,” said Amanda Skinner President & CEO, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England.
The Defund Provision threatens to impact over 200 Planned Parenthood health centers across the country, putting healthcare access at risk for more than 1.1 million patients — many of whom may not have viable alternatives in their communities.
Maryland is one of 23 states that initiated a lawsuit against the federal government in July, contesting the constitutionality of a specific provision. This case is presently awaiting a decision in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts. Additionally, Planned Parenthood has launched a separate yet parallel lawsuit, which resulted in the District Court granting a preliminary injunction to stop the enforcement of the provision. The court determined that Planned Parenthood has a strong chance of succeeding in its claims that the policy infringes upon the First Amendment, the Equal Protection Clause, and the Constitution’s prohibition on bills of attainder.
The recent brief submitted by Brown and his colleagues backs that injunction, highlighting the detrimental impact the funding cuts would have on states and their residents.
Planned Parenthood stands as the largest provider of reproductive and sexual health services in the nation. During the 2023–2024 fiscal year, it provided roughly 9.45 million services nationwide, which included 425,000 cancer screenings, 2.2 million contraceptive services, and 4.1 million STI tests and treatments. Abortion services represented about 400,000 — less than 5% — of the total services rendered. It is important to note that federal funding does not extend to abortion services.
The attorneys general contend that many healthcare providers in various states do not have the capacity to accommodate the number of patients currently served by Planned Parenthood. They also point out that trying to bridge the gap with state funds would impose a considerable financial burden on already strained state budgets.
“Tens of thousands of Washingtonians rely on Planned Parenthood for essential health services like primary care, cancer screenings, and family planning,” said Washington Attorney General Nick Brown. “The Trump administration’s attack on reproductive freedom threatens an even broader range of health services for our communities, particularly individuals who receive Medicaid.”
Alongside Brown in the amicus brief are attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
