Ellison Sues Trump Admin to Stop Planned Parenthood Medicaid Cuts
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is taking the Trump administration to court over a budget provision that could block Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood, threatening critical health services for thousands across Minnesota.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison has joined a 23-state coalition in filing a lawsuit against the Trump administration, challenging a controversial budget provision that would block Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood health centers nationwide.
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At stake is over $9 million in annual Medicaid funding that Planned Parenthood relies on in Minnesota alone—money that helps provide more than 30,000 patient visits every year for cancer screenings, STI testing, family planning, and other essential care.
“Planned Parenthood is an essential healthcare provider that so many Minnesotans rely on,” said Ellison. “Make no mistake, the Trump administration’s attempts to defund Planned Parenthood will hurt the people of Minnesota, especially women, the LGBTQ+ community, and low-income folks. I’m taking the Trump administration to court to prevent these harmful cuts and defend the well-being of Minnesotans everywhere.”
The lawsuit, filed by attorneys general from 22 states and the District of Columbia, argues that the so-called “Defund Provision” in the federal budget reconciliation bill is unconstitutional. The coalition claims the measure is vague, punitive, and would result in greater health risks and costs for their states.
A recent federal court ruling in Boston already granted a preliminary injunction in a related case brought by Planned Parenthood, finding the Defund Provision likely violates both the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause.
Local Impact
In Minnesota, Medicaid supports health care for 1.2 million residents, with Planned Parenthood playing a critical role in delivering care that many other providers can’t absorb. According to the Guttmacher Institute, the claim that alternative clinics could handle the overflow is unfounded.
Ellison’s office estimates that if the provision takes effect, it could cost Minnesota an additional $30 million in Medicaid expenses over the next five years—and $52 million over ten.
National Scope
The lawsuit has drawn support from the attorneys general of California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Washington, and others, as well as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in his official capacity.
“This is about health care access, equity, and the constitutional rights of our residents,” said the coalition in a joint statement. “We’re urging the court to enjoin the administration from implementing this reckless and harmful provision.”
The case is expected to play out in the coming months with major implications for reproductive health access nationwide, especially for low-income communities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals who rely on Medicaid to cover care.