Reproductive Equity Now Statement After U.S. House Votes to Undermine Health Care Access, Puts Lives at Risk

REN stands in solidarity with New England Planned Parenthood affiliates and full organization

BOSTON (May 23, 2025) – Reproductive Equity Now President Rebecca Hart Holder released the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted early hours Thursday to “defund” Planned Parenthood:

“Planned Parenthood is a cornerstone of our nation’s health care system—especially for people who are too often overlooked, underserved, or deliberately excluded. The House’s vote to ‘defund’ Planned Parenthood has nothing to do with fiscal responsibility or sound health policy. It’s a blatant attempt to exert government control over our bodies, our families, and our futures, and a direct attack on gender equity. This vote sends a dangerous message: that the federal government is willing to take away health care from those who need it most, deepen health inequities, and drive up taxpayer costs—all in the name of political retaliation and ideological control. Stripping patients of their ability to see the providers they trust doesn’t just undermine public health—it puts lives at risk.

“We stand unequivocally with Planned Parenthood as they face these relentless and egregious attacks. Their work is vital, and we know they will continue to show up with courage, care, and conviction. We’re especially grateful to our House delegations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire for standing firm in their support of reproductive health and rights. Now, we call on the U.S. Senate to do everything in its power to ensure this harmful legislation never reaches Donald Trump’s desk.”

The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” passed 215-214 by the House on Thursday would ‘defund’ Planned Parenthood by prohibiting its providers from being reimbursed by Medicaid for services provided to Medicaid enrollees, including services such as pap smears, STI screenings, breast cancer screenings, and more. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the cuts to Medicaid included in the bill would cost taxpayers $300 million over the next decade.

According to Planned Parenthood,  200 Health Centers nationwide are at risk of closure if the federal government approves the House budget and “defunds” Planned Parenthood. In New England, tens of thousands of patients could lose access to essential reproductive health care—including birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing—if these closures move forward. 

Last month, Hart Holder responded to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' announcement that it will freeze Title X funding for thirteen Planned Parenthood affiliates—including Planned Parenthood Southern New England and Planned Parenthood of Northern New England—because they refused to eliminate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) practices. Title X funding is a critical source of support for preventive health care, including free or low-cost birth control, cancer screenings, and STI testing and treatment. According to Physicians for Reproductive Health, in 2022 alone, Title X-funded clinics provided care to 2.6 million family planning patients nationwide. By law, Title X funds cannot be used for abortion services. 

Here are statements from some of our Planned Parenthood Partners in New England following the House vote: Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and Planned Parenthood of New Hampshire.

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