PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A network of medical clinics that serves low-income residents in Maine announced it will shut down its primary care operations this Friday, a decision primarily linked to cuts made by the Trump administration to abortion providers. Maine Family Planning operates 18 clinics across the state and has stated that abortions make up a small portion of their overall services, which also include cancer screenings, STD testing, and contraception. The organization explained that it was forced to halt primary care due to the administration’s decision to block Medicaid funds from abortion providers, including the much larger Planned Parenthood.
George Hill, the president of Maine Family Planning, indicated that this funding issue is pushing patients away from their doctors. Last year alone, the network provided primary care to over 600 patients. Hill voiced the distressing reality of needing to inform patients that they could no longer receive care, highlighting concern that many may not find new providers and could ultimately forgo essential health services.
Serving many impoverished and rural areas, Maine Family Planning typically receives about $1.9 million in annual Medicaid reimbursements. Last month, the network informed its roughly 8,000 patients about the impending closures of primary care services.
Despite challenging the cessation of Medicaid funding in federal court, Maine Family Planning faced a setback in August when a judge ruled against reinstating the funding during ongoing litigation against the Trump administration. The fight has now been elevated to a higher court, with the Center for Reproductive Rights continuing to advocate for the clinic and its patients. President Nancy Northup emphasized that the funding cuts are part of a larger initiative to dismantle clinics, even in states like Maine that protect access to abortion.
George Hill, the president of Maine Family Planning, indicated that this funding issue is pushing patients away from their doctors. Last year alone, the network provided primary care to over 600 patients. Hill voiced the distressing reality of needing to inform patients that they could no longer receive care, highlighting concern that many may not find new providers and could ultimately forgo essential health services.
Serving many impoverished and rural areas, Maine Family Planning typically receives about $1.9 million in annual Medicaid reimbursements. Last month, the network informed its roughly 8,000 patients about the impending closures of primary care services.
Despite challenging the cessation of Medicaid funding in federal court, Maine Family Planning faced a setback in August when a judge ruled against reinstating the funding during ongoing litigation against the Trump administration. The fight has now been elevated to a higher court, with the Center for Reproductive Rights continuing to advocate for the clinic and its patients. President Nancy Northup emphasized that the funding cuts are part of a larger initiative to dismantle clinics, even in states like Maine that protect access to abortion.
