VICTORY: Abortion Clinic Abandons Legal Challenge to Defunding

In a significant victory for the pro-life movement and constitutional governance, Maine Family Planning has stipulated to dismiss its appeal challenging Congress’ authority to defund major abortion providers. The joint stipulation of dismissal, filed December 18, brings to a close yet another attempt by the abortion industry to demand public funding for the murder of the unborn.

The ACLJ filed a critical amicus brief in this case, and our constitutional arguments have prevailed. And the First Circuit Court of Appeals issued a landmark unanimous decision in the Planned Parenthood case, upholding the constitutionality of the very same law Maine Family Planning was challenging. The ACLJ helped secure that decisive victory against Planned Parenthood – vacating lower court injunctions and affirming Congress’ spending authority. Maine Family Planning has now stopped pursuing their appeal of a parallel challenge.

Take action with the ACLJ and add your name to the petition: Defund Planned Parenthood Now.

At the heart of the legal battle we fight is a profound truth: Every human life possesses inherent dignity and worth from the moment of conception. For too long, American taxpayers have been forced to subsidize an industry that destroys hundreds of thousands of innocent lives each year. The ACLJ has remained steadfast in our mission to defend the defenseless and ensure that the hard-earned money of pro-life Americans does not fund the taking of innocent human life. This latest victory represents another critical step toward that goal – protecting both the unborn and the conscience rights of millions of taxpayers who cherish life.

After Maine Family Planning initially lost in district court when Judge Lance Walker denied their preliminary injunction, they appealed to the First Circuit. Now they have voluntarily dismissed that appeal, conceding defeat in their attempt to force taxpayers to subsidize their operations.

While this dismissal represents a crucial victory, the battle to defund the abortion industry continues. Maine Family Planning’s dismissal, following immediately on the heels of the First Circuit’s definitive ruling against Planned Parenthood, sends a powerful message throughout the abortion industry: The era of guaranteed taxpayer subsidies is ending.

The ACLJ will continue standing firm in defense of both constitutional governance and the sanctity of innocent life. Every brief we file, every argument we advance, and every victory we secure strengthens the foundation, ensuring American tax dollars promote life rather than end it. When the nation’s largest abortion providers lose access to taxpayer funding, their capacity to destroy innocent lives diminishes. Fewer abortions mean more lives saved.

This victory belongs to every American who believes their tax dollars should never subsidize abortion. Together, we are building a culture that respects both the rule of law and the inherent worth of every human life.

Take action and add your name to the petition to defund Planned Parenthood.