House Narrowly Passes Bill to Defund Planned Parenthood, Intensifying National Debate
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives has narrowly passed a sweeping budget reconciliation bill that includes provisions to defund Planned Parenthood, marking a significant development in the ongoing national debate over federal funding for abortion providers. The measure, which passed by a razor-thin margin of 215-214, would strip federal funding from Planned Parenthood and similar organizations for one year, unless they certify that they do not perform abortions or fund entities that do, with exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is at risk.
The legislation, known as the Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2025 and incorporated into President Trump’s "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," was championed by House Republicans as a victory for the pro-life movement. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) stated the House aims to send the bill to President Trump’s desk by Independence Day. Supporters argue the bill protects taxpayer dollars from funding abortion providers and reallocates resources to community health centers, which would receive additional funding under the same abortion-related restrictions.
Proponents, including conservative and religious organizations, praised the House’s action. Brent Leatherwood, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, called the bill a "pro-family reconciliation package" and urged the Senate to follow suit, while anti-abortion activists celebrated the measure as a step toward ending public funding for what they describe as "Big Abortion".
Critics, however, warn that the bill threatens access to essential healthcare for millions, particularly low-income women who rely on Planned Parenthood for services such as cancer screenings, contraception, and STI testing. Planned Parenthood and allied advocates argue that the move could force the closure of up to 200 health centers, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. Opponents also note that the Hyde Amendment already prohibits the use of federal funds for abortion services, contending that the bill’s provisions would primarily impact non-abortion healthcare services.
The bill’s passage has reignited broader debates over federal budget priorities. Some lawmakers and activists highlighted perceived inconsistencies in congressional stances on "defunding" initiatives, contrasting the push to defund Planned Parenthood with ongoing discussions about police funding.
The legislation now heads to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain amid intense lobbying from both sides. The outcome is expected to have far-reaching implications for reproductive healthcare access and federal funding policy in the U.S.