Newsom Allocates $90M More to Planned Parenthood Amid Abortion Debate

California governor signs bill to provide emergency funding to abortion provider despite concerns over political donations.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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California Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed SB 106 into law, directing another $90 million in 'emergency funding' to abortion provider Planned Parenthood. This comes after Newsom gave Planned Parenthood $140 million in October 2025 to keep 109 abortion clinics open following federal budget cuts. The bill signing was marked by a party-like atmosphere, with Newsom's wife, the 'First Partner,' criticizing the media for not asking enough abortion-related questions. Critics argue the funding is politically motivated, as Planned Parenthood has donated over $1.5 million to California legislators and Newsom over the past decade.

Why it matters

The additional $90 million in taxpayer funds for Planned Parenthood has raised concerns about the political motivations behind the decision, especially given the organization's significant campaign donations to California lawmakers and the governor. The debate over abortion rights and access continues to be a divisive issue in the state and across the country.

The details

SB 106 was fast-tracked through the California Legislature after the federal budget cuts that prohibited Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid reimbursement for services. At the bill signing, Newsom's wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, criticized the media for not asking enough abortion-related questions, accusing them of a 'war on women.' Critics argue the funding is politically motivated, as Planned Parenthood's CEO, Jodi Hicks, is married to the governor's redistricting map creator, and the organization has donated over $1.5 million to California legislators and Newsom over the past decade.

  • In October 2025, Newsom gave Planned Parenthood $140 million to keep 109 abortion clinics open after federal budget cuts.
  • On February 11, 2026, Newsom signed SB 106 into law, directing another $90 million in 'emergency funding' to Planned Parenthood.

The players

Gavin Newsom

The governor of California who signed SB 106 into law, providing $90 million in emergency funding to Planned Parenthood.

Jennifer Siebel Newsom

The 'First Partner' of California, who criticized the media for not asking enough abortion-related questions at the Planned Parenthood press conference.

Jodi Hicks

The CEO and President of Planned Parenthood, who is married to the governor's redistricting map creator.

Paul Mitchell

The governor's redistricting map creator, who is married to Jodi Hicks, the CEO and President of Planned Parenthood.

Katy Grimes

The author of the original article criticizing the governor's decision to provide additional funding to Planned Parenthood.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

The additional $90 million in taxpayer funds for Planned Parenthood has sparked concerns about the political motivations behind the decision, given the organization's significant campaign donations to California lawmakers and the governor. The debate over abortion rights and access continues to be a divisive issue in the state and across the country.