California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill on February 11, 2026, allocating $90 million to Planned Parenthood clinics across the state. This funding aims to counteract recent federal cuts to Medicaid that impacted reproductive health services. During the bill’s signing ceremony, Newsom expressed his commitment to supporting organizations that provide essential healthcare services, stating that it has been a “point of pride” to assist Planned Parenthood.
The funding comes in response to a significant reduction in federal Medicaid reimbursements, which have been a point of contention since the implementation of the OBBBA. This legislation prohibited states from using federal Medicaid dollars to reimburse non-abortion services provided by Planned Parenthood for one year. According to federal guidelines, funding is set to resume in July 2026, but many clinics have struggled in the interim.
Newsom criticized the federal cuts, asserting, “These cuts were designed to attack and assault Planned Parenthood. They were not abortion cuts. They were attacks on wellness screenings and women’s healthcare, period, full stop.” He emphasized that the ongoing political climate has led to a calculated attack on reproductive freedom, particularly by former President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans.
Planned Parenthood affiliates in California play a crucial role in women’s health services. In the most recent reporting, these clinics provided over 402,000 abortions, 2.2 million contraceptive services, and 5 million tests and treatments for sexually transmitted infections nationwide. With 109 clinics in California alone, the organization serves a diverse population, including patients from states with stricter abortion laws.
In the past, California lawmakers approved $145 million in funding to assist Planned Parenthood clinics facing financial difficulties due to the lack of federal Medicaid reimbursements. Initially, Newsom’s budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year included $60 million for Planned Parenthood. However, legislators advocated for an increase to $90 million, reflecting the urgent need for support.
During the signing event, Newsom highlighted the importance of keeping clinics in rural areas of California operational, stating that this commitment “defines the values of the state of California.” He noted that patients often travel from states like Idaho, where stringent gestational age limits on abortion exist, to seek care in California.
The significance of this funding extends beyond financial support; it underscores a broader commitment to protect reproductive healthcare access for all Californians. First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom voiced her concerns about the ongoing political landscape, stating, “You wonder why we have such a horrific war on women in this country, and that these guys are getting away with it. It’s because you don’t seem to care.”
As California moves forward with this funding initiative, the implications for women’s health services will be closely monitored, particularly in light of ongoing debates surrounding reproductive rights and healthcare access across the United States. The state’s proactive stance serves as a counterbalance to federal restrictions and highlights California’s commitment to reproductive freedom.
