Great Lakes Wire

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has joined a group of 22 states in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration over a recently signed budget reconciliation law, known as the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The coalition is challenging a specific part of the law, referred to as the “Defund Provision,” which blocks Medicaid reimbursements for services provided at Planned Parenthood health centers.

According to the complaint, this provision prevents federal funding from being used for essential healthcare services such as cancer screenings, birth control, sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, and wellness exams when provided by Planned Parenthood. The coalition argues that these restrictions will negatively affect millions of low-income Americans, particularly women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and communities of color.

Nessel stated, “Planned Parenthood clinics are a critical part of Michigan’s healthcare system, delivering vital services to communities across the state. The Trump Administration’s push to strip funding from these providers is an unlawful political tactic aimed at undermining care, even in states like Michigan, where the right to reproductive freedom is protected by our constitution. I remain committed to standing up for Michiganders’ ability to access the healthcare they need from the providers they trust.”

The lawsuit contends that defunding Planned Parenthood could threaten at least 200 health centers nationwide—including 10 clinics in Michigan—and impact care for more than 1.1 million people who may have difficulty finding alternative providers. Although some lawmakers suggest other healthcare facilities can serve these patients, data from the Guttmacher Institute indicates that existing alternatives lack sufficient capacity.

In their court filing, the attorneys general argue that the Defund Provision is ambiguous and violates Congress’ Spending Clause power. They warn it could increase health risks due to delayed diagnoses and unintended pregnancies and cite Congressional Budget Office projections estimating an additional $52 million in Medicaid costs over ten years if the provision takes effect.

Nessel is joined in this legal action by attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin; the District of Columbia; and Pennsylvania.