Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin to pause abortion appointments October 1 over concerns with federal spending bill

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin will soon pause abortion services again, this time over concerns with a federal law.

The organization confirmed the announcement Wednesday, September 24.

They blame the President’s budget bill that was passed this summer, saying it was “crafted specifically to penalize Planned Parenthood and the patients we serve.”

A provision in that bill prevents Planned Parenthood from accepting Medicaid dollars for any reproductive services.

Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin will pause abortion appointments October 1.

Planned Parenthood had filed an injunction to block the law, but it has since been lifted.

Now, the organization says the legal landscape is fluid, but they are preparing to act as soon as they’re able to resume care.

In the meantime, the organization told us it will work to review schedules and see as many patients as possible before September 30.

They are also coordinating with other providers across the state “to ensure patients are referred swiftly and receive timely, compassionate care with as little delay as possible.”

A statement from Planned Parenthood CEO Tanya Atkinson reads, “Our commitment is unwavering: Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin will continue to provide the full spectrum of reproductive health care — including abortion — as soon as we are able to. In the meantime, we are pursuing every available option — through the courts, through operations, and civic engagement."

This pause comes less than three months after the state Supreme Court struck down an 1849 law that may have been in effect after the fall of Roe v Wade.

Uncertainty over that law’s legality was enough for Planned Parenthood, and all providers in the state, to pause abortion services for several years.