VICTORY: First Circuit Grants Stay Against Planned Parenthood Injunctions – ACLJ’s Amicus Briefs Help Secure Win for Life

Yesterday marked a significant victory for the pro-life movement and the rule of law in Planned Parenthood v. U.S. Department of Health. The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit has granted a stay of two preliminary injunctions that would have blocked Congress’ decision to defund Planned Parenthood. Planned Parenthood doesn’t get to keep taxpayer funding during the case – at least for now. Here is the crucial part of the Court’s ruling:

The motion is GRANTED. The July 21, 2025 preliminary injunction and the July 28, 2025 preliminary injunction are hereby stayed pending disposition of the respective appeals. The separate motions by the State of Louisiana and the American Center for Law & Justice for leave to file an amicus brief also are GRANTED and the briefs are accepted for filing as of this date.

Congress, accountable to the American people through regular elections, must retain its exclusive authority over the federal purse. No unelected federal judge should be empowered to override the spending decisions made by the people’s elected Representatives. The ACLJ is honored to be part of this decision, directly alongside the order, preserving Congress’ defunding of Planned Parenthood. Take action with us and add your name to the petition: Defeat Planned Parenthood in Court.

ACLJ Fights for Life Through Strategic Legal Action

The ACLJ is proud to have played a crucial role in securing this important victory. We filed three strategic amicus briefs (see ACLJ’s first amicus brief, our second amicus brief, and our third amicus brief) in this case, providing the courts with essential legal arguments that helped demonstrate why the preliminary injunctions should be stayed pending appeal.

This case represents a fundamental challenge to Congress’ constitutional authority over federal spending. After President Trump signed the “Big Beautiful Bill” on July 4, Planned Parenthood immediately launched a multipronged constitutional attack, claiming that Section 71113 – which prohibits certain abortion providers from receiving federal Medicaid reimbursements – violates the Bill of Attainder Clause, First Amendment associational rights, and Equal Protection guarantees. The ACLJ is fighting back to defend congressional authority to defund Planned Parenthood.

We presented compelling constitutional and statutory arguments supporting the federal government’s position. Today’s ruling validates our unwavering commitment to defending the sanctity of life and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not used to fund organizations that perform abortions.

The Court’s Decision: A Win for Constitutional Principles

In a decisive order issued today, the three-judge panel of the First Circuit Court of Appeals concluded that the defendants met their burden to show entitlement to a stay of the preliminary injunctions. This ruling effectively halts the lower court’s orders that would have:

• Prevented the enforcement of Section 71113 against Planned Parenthood entities.
• Required continued Medicaid funding to flow to these organizations in the “customary manner and timeframes.”

The appellate court’s decision represents a critical step forward in allowing the federal government to implement legislation designed to protect taxpayers from being forced to subsidize abortion providers.

This victory extends far beyond the immediate parties to this litigation. At its core, this case is about protecting the conscience rights of American taxpayers who should not be forced to fund organizations with tax dollars that perform abortions. Section 71113 represents Congress’ careful balance between ensuring access to healthcare and respecting the deeply held moral convictions of millions of Americans. Today’s ruling allows this important legislation to move forward while the appeals process continues.

What Comes Next

While today’s ruling represents a significant victory, the legal battle is far from over. The appeals of both preliminary injunctions will continue to work their way through the court system. The ACLJ remains committed to supporting efforts to uphold Section 71113 and ensure that it can be fully implemented as Congress intended.

We will continue monitoring this case closely and stand ready to provide additional legal support as needed. The pro-life movement can be encouraged by today’s ruling, but we must remain vigilant and engaged as these critical legal battles continue. Join us in our efforts to defund Planned Parenthood permanently.