California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a significant bill providing $90 million to Planned Parenthood clinics across the state. This funding aims to compensate for substantial cuts to Medicaid imposed by the federal government. The announcement was made during a signing ceremony on February 11, 2026, where Newsom emphasized the importance of supporting reproductive health services.
During his remarks, Newsom stated, “These cuts were designed to attack and assault Planned Parenthood. They were not abortion cuts. They were attacks on wellness screenings. They were attacks on women’s healthcare, period, full stop.” He criticized former President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans for what he termed a calculated assault on reproductive freedom.
The funding comes in response to the OBBBA, which prohibited states from using federal Medicaid dollars to reimburse non-abortion services provided by Planned Parenthood for one year. This restriction affected access to essential health services, including cancer screenings and contraceptive care, with funding expected to resume in July 2026.
Supporters of the funding argue that it is crucial for women’s health in California. According to the latest data available, Planned Parenthood’s affiliate clinics nationwide provided over 402,000 abortions, 2.2 million contraceptive services, and 5 million STI tests and treatments. Newsom praised Planned Parenthood as “an extraordinary organization” with 109 clinics throughout the state, highlighting their role in providing comprehensive healthcare.
Last fall, California lawmakers allocated $145 million to support Planned Parenthood clinics facing financial challenges due to a lack of federal reimbursements. Newsom’s initial budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year included $60 million for the clinics, but legislators insisted on increasing that amount to $90 million to ensure adequate support.
The governor also noted that patients from states with stricter abortion laws, such as Idaho, frequently travel to California seeking reproductive healthcare. He asserted that maintaining access to these clinics, especially in rural areas of northern California, reflects the state’s values.
At a recent press conference, reporters queried Newsom on various topics, with his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, also voicing her concerns. She stated, “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,” referring to the Republican stance on reproductive rights.
The funding for Planned Parenthood represents a critical investment in women’s health in California, especially in light of federal restrictions. As the political landscape around reproductive rights continues to evolve, the state remains committed to ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare services for all women.
