Oregon Democrats Allocate $7.5 Million in Funding to Support Planned Parenthood Amid Federal Funding Block
Oregon Democrats have approved $7.5 million in funding to support Planned Parenthood after federal Medicaid funds were blocked until at least July 2026. Senate Majority Leader Kayse Jama announced that the Oregon Legislature’s Joint Emergency Board will allocate the funding at an upcoming meeting. The board has the authority to allocate funding when the full Legislature is not in session.
Planned Parenthood health centers in Oregon relied on nearly $17 million in annual Medicaid reimbursements in 2024, but a budget law signed by former President Donald Trump ended those reimbursements for organizations that provide abortions and received Medicaid reimbursements of more than $800,000 in fiscal year 2023. Many Planned Parenthood health centers across the U.S. have been forced to close or reduce services due to the lack of reimbursements.
Despite federal law already banning the use of federal Medicaid funding for abortion, Planned Parenthood states that 90% of its services in Oregon are unrelated to abortion, focusing on cancer screenings, birth control, and sexually transmitted infection testing. Oregon is now among several states that have agreed to provide financial support to Planned Parenthood to make up for the lost federal funds.
In addition to Oregon, states like Washington, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Maine, New Jersey, and New York have also agreed to backfill millions in lost dollars for Planned Parenthood. There are ongoing federal lawsuits challenging the provision in the budget law that blocks Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood clinics. The emergency board will also discuss payments for prisoner health care expenses and cleanup efforts for the Rowena Fire in Wasco County.
In conclusion, Oregon Democrats have taken steps to support Planned Parenthood by allocating $7.5 million in funding to make up for lost federal Medicaid funds. This decision comes after Planned Parenthood health centers faced closures and service reductions due to the lack of reimbursements. The state joins others in providing financial support to ensure that essential healthcare services remain accessible to all individuals.