California Approves $90 Million for Planned Parenthood and Women's Health

Funding aims to offset federal cuts to reproductive healthcare access

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The California legislature has approved a one-time $90 million funding package for Planned Parenthood and other women's health clinics. The move is a direct response to the Trump administration's cuts to federal Medicaid funding for abortion providers. Democrats say the funding is crucial to support reproductive healthcare and maternal care in the state.

Why it matters

The federal cuts have had a significant impact on Planned Parenthood's operations in California, with over 80% of its nearly 1.3 million annual patient visits previously reimbursed by Medi-Cal, the state's Medicaid program. This state-level funding is intended to help offset those losses and ensure continued access to a range of women's health services.

The details

The $90 million funding package is part of a bill (SB 106) carried by Democratic State Senator John Laird. It comes after California and other Democrat-led states filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the federal funding restrictions. While some Republican lawmakers opposed the measure, arguing the funds should go to struggling hospitals instead, Democrats say supporting Planned Parenthood and women's health is a top priority.

  • The California legislature approved the $90 million funding package on Monday, February 9, 2026.
  • The Trump administration's 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act', which prohibited federal Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood, was signed into law last year.

The players

Robert Rivas

Assembly Speaker, a Democrat representing Hollister.

John Laird

State Senator, a Democrat representing Santa Cruz.

Gavin Newsom

Governor of California.

David Tangipa

Republican Assemblymember representing Clovis.

Planned Parenthood

A nonprofit organization that provides reproductive health services, including abortions, birth control, and cancer screenings.

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What they’re saying

“Trump is tearing down healthcare and increasing costs. Democrats are building it up — investing millions in women's health and maternal care, because families come first in California.”

— Robert Rivas, Assembly Speaker (latimes.com)

“Why does Planned Parenthood get a $90-million grant when right now over 60 hospitals in the state of California are on the verge of shutting down? Hospitals across our state that deliver high quality care to women are on the brink of closure.”

— David Tangipa, Republican Assemblymember (latimes.com)

What’s next

The bill now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom for his signature.

The takeaway

This funding package represents California's commitment to supporting women's reproductive healthcare and maternal care in the face of federal cuts. It underscores the ongoing political divide over access to abortion and other women's health services.