The federal government has announced its intention to join a lawsuit initiated by outgoing Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against Planned Parenthood, concerning over $10 million in Medicaid payments. This intervention by the U.S. Justice Department comes just days after the election of Democrat Nathan Johnson as the new state attorney general.
In 2022, Texas accused Planned Parenthood of improper billing practices while the state was attempting to remove the organization from the Medicaid payment program. The lawsuit seeks more than $1.8 billion in reimbursements, penalties, and fees, representing a significant challenge for Planned Parenthood’s operations.
Planned Parenthood has labeled the lawsuit as “meritless,” emphasizing its commitment to combating what it perceives as a strategy to undermine the organization’s existence. Susan Baker Manning, a senior vice president for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, stated, “The Trump administration has spent two years trying to shut down Planned Parenthood through legislative, administrative, and legal attacks. Now, they are going to use the Department of Justice to try again.”
The case is scheduled for trial next year, with both parties proposing a start date in April 2027. U.S. District Judge Matthew Kacsmaryk, known for his conservative stance and previous involvement in anti-abortion cases, will preside over the proceedings.
While Paxton’s office did not provide immediate comments, Johnson, the newly elected attorney general, has expressed intentions to review all ongoing lawsuits from Paxton’s tenure, including the case against Planned Parenthood. He has indicated that he will take “appropriate action in the interests” of Texas once he assumes office in January.
Johnson has already made it clear that he will not pursue legal action against out-of-state doctors who send abortion pills to Texas residents, a departure from Paxton’s aggressive legal strategies.
This shift in leadership reflects a broader trend observed in the recent midterm elections, where Johnson’s victory and Paxton’s defeat were part of a significant gain for Democrats in Texas. The transition may herald changes in the Texas attorney general’s office, which has historically championed conservative legal battles.
As the federal government steps into this contentious legal arena, the outcome of the case holds substantial implications not just for Planned Parenthood, but for the future of healthcare access and reproductive rights in Texas.
Disclosure: The New York Times has been a major financial supporter of The Texas Tribune. Planned Parenthood has also provided financial support within the past five years. The Texas Tribune operates as a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization funded by donations from members, foundations, and corporate sponsors. Contributions from financial supporters do not influence our journalism. For a complete list of supporters and further information about our financial and disclosure policies, please visit our website.
