Planned Parenthood Resumes Abortion Services in Wisconsin After Federal Funding Shift

Sun Nov 30 2025 23:04:13 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

After a month-long pause due to federal Medicaid funding cuts, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin announces the resumption of abortion services, redefining its status under a new law.

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has resumed scheduling abortions following a month-long suspension related to changes in federal Medicaid funding. The organization altered its designation to ensure eligibility for Medicaid support. Although concerns over patient access persist, they believe this shift won't significantly impact their service costs. The state continues to navigate complex abortion laws amidst ongoing national debates on funding.

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has resumed scheduling abortions as of Monday, following a month-long pause prompted by federal Medicaid funding cuts due to a law enacted on October 1 under President Trump's administration.

According to the organization, the ability to schedule procedures again comes as they no longer fall under the designation of a 'prohibited entity' under the new federal regulations and can receive Medicaid funding. To facilitate this, Planned Parenthood has relinquished its status as an 'essential community provider,' a move that, according to CEO Tanya Atkinson, will not change the cost of abortion services nor affect their funding.

All our research shows there shouldn’t be a significant impact on patient access, Atkinson stated. If this does impact our bottom line, we will have to reassess our future path.

A National Political Battleground

The discourse around abortion funding has intensified nationwide, with Planned Parenthood being a focal point. Since the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2022, states have had the authority to impose bans, resulting in twelve states enforcing total bans and others restricting access after about six weeks of pregnancy.

Planned Parenthood has raised alarms that nearly half of its abortion clinics across the country might close due to restrictions on Medicaid funding for non-abortion services. Only in Wisconsin did the organization halt all abortion services due to the new law, amidst restrictive legislative measures by the Republican-controlled state government.

Given ongoing legal battles over abortion rights, Planned Parenthood affiliates like those in Arizona have reacted differently to the funding changes, with some continuing to provide abortion services while opting out of Medicaid funding.

Effects on Local Clinics

The month-long suspension meant that individuals seeking abortion services in Wisconsin had to seek alternatives, often traveling as far as Chicago to access care. Planned Parenthood serves around 50,000 people in Wisconsin, with about 60% reliant on Medicaid.

While Atkinson could not provide specific data on how many women were affected by the halt in services, she acknowledged the challenge and expressed determination to navigate the complexities of the law, advocating for continued support for women’s health care.

Medicaid Ramifications

By giving up the 'essential community provider' designation, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin aimed to continue accessing Medicaid funds as family planning organizations were allowed to bill Medicaid under new conditions. The organization retains its tax-exempt status, which was not relinquished as part of this strategy.

The ability to maintain essential services alongside abortions is critical, given the wide range of health services Planned Parenthood offers, from cancer screenings to STI testing. Although federal Medicaid funds do not cover abortions, they are vital for supporting the overall operational framework of these clinics. Planned Parenthood is gearing towards expanding non-abortion services while navigating the findings of a multistate federal lawsuit challenging the changes in Medicaid funding policies.

In the past year, Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin reported conducting 3,727 abortions, reflecting their crucial role in reproductive health care within the state.