Wisconsin Planned Parenthood to pause abortions after new Medicaid restriction takes effect

**Planned Parenthood Pauses Abortions in Wisconsin Following New Federal Medicaid Funding Restrictions**

*By Felix Miller | September 26, 2025 | Catholic Vote*

Planned Parenthood is temporarily halting abortion services in Wisconsin as new federal legislation prohibiting Medicaid from funding abortion services for one year takes effect on October 1.

Heather Weininger, executive director of Wisconsin Right to Life, welcomed the news, stating, “Taxpayer dollars should never fund the taking of innocent preborn lives.” She added that Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin has long centered its operations around abortion services, and this announcement only confirms that reality.

The federal restriction, known as the Big Beautiful Bill and signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, prevents Medicaid dollars from being used to fund abortions. Although a federal judge initially blocked this change, a U.S. Appeals Court panel allowed the enforcement to proceed as of September 11, according to the Associated Press.

Wisconsin appears to be the first state where Planned Parenthood is pausing abortions in response to this legislation, AP News reports. Currently, Planned Parenthood provides abortions at three Wisconsin locations: Milwaukee, Madison, and Sheboygan.

The organization noted that approximately 60% of people using Planned Parenthood’s services in Wisconsin have Medicaid coverage. Leadership at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin emphasized that this is a temporary pause, reaffirming their commitment to abortion as an essential part of their work.

Tanya Atkinson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, said, “We will continue to provide the full spectrum of reproductive health care, including abortion, as soon and as we are able to. In the meantime, we are pursuing every available option through the courts, operations, and civic engagement,” according to AP News.

Between October 1, 2023, and September 30, 2024, Planned Parenthood performed at least 3,727 abortions in Wisconsin, AP News reports.

Some women seeking abortions may travel to Chicago, which is within a three-hour drive from all three Wisconsin Planned Parenthood locations currently providing abortions. Adrienne White Faines, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Illinois, stated, “Illinois is ready and will be able to accept patients.” However, she acknowledged that this solution is unsustainable.

Wisconsin Right to Life views the pause as an opportunity for the pro-life movement to expand support for mothers in need. “Women and girls facing difficult or unexpected pregnancies deserve compassion, real support, and life-affirming care, and that’s exactly what the pro-life movement is committed to providing,” said Heather Weininger.

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**Community Reactions**

Some members of the community have expressed strong opinions regarding the Medicaid funding restrictions and Planned Parenthood’s response. One commenter pointed out that about 60% of Planned Parenthood’s patients rely on Medicaid and criticized the use of tax dollars to fund abortions. Others debated the motivations behind Planned Parenthood’s pause on abortion services, questioning whether it reflects a financial strategy.

There were also suggestions that Planned Parenthood facilities be declared “sanctuary abortion women’s health centers,” similar to sanctuary cities for undocumented immigrants. Some commenters highlighted the complexity of funding and accessibility issues related to abortion services.

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