Rep. Jimmy Panetta’s Statement on the Closure of Planned Parenthood Westside Clinic in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) issued the following statement in response to the closure of the Planned Parenthood Westside Health Center in Santa Cruz:

“The closure of the Westside Planned Parenthood clinic is a direct result of President Donald Trump’s reconciliation law and its cuts to Medicaid. Although most of the Medicaid cuts don’t begin until 2027, the law imposes a one-year ban starting on July 4, 2025, for providers that received over $800,000 in federal funds in 2023 and conduct reproductive healthcare. That provision clearly is designed to hit Planned Parenthood networks like Mar Monte, which meet those thresholds and serve numerous patients across California.

“A legal challenge initially delayed implementation of those provisions.  This week, however, a federal District Court ruled to allow parts of the law to move forward, directly impacting funding for clinics like ours in Santa Cruz.  These cuts undermine a major part of the health care safety net for women and families, not just in our 19th Congressional District, but all across California.

“Through legislation, litigation, and coordination with state and local leaders, we will continue to fight back. I’m proud to support the Restoring Essential Health Care Act, which would repeal this reckless provision and restore Medicaid funding for comprehensive reproductive care.  In the meantime, I’ve also reached out to Planned Parenthood Mar Monte and Governor Gavin Newsom’s office to explore legal and state-level options to keep clinics open and patients protected.”

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