The network of medical clinics in Maine, known as Maine Family Planning, has announced the closure of its primary care services due to federal funding cuts under the Trump administration. The organization serves low-income residents across 18 clinics
While abortions are a minor part of their overall services, which include cancer screenings and STD testing, the network's financial complications stem from the administration's decision to block Medicaid reimbursements to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.
George Hill, president of Maine Family Planning, expressed concern over the loss of care for over 600 patients in their primary care practices. In a recent statement, he revealed that telling patients they can no longer be seen has been 'devastating.'
Maine Family Planning has approximately 8,000 patients in total and relies on nearly $1.9 million in Medicaid reimbursements annually. Hill emphasized that the organization’s closure is particularly impactful for patients in poorer and rural areas.
The clinic had previously fought against these Medicaid funding restrictions in court, but suffered a setback in August when a judge ruled against them, leading to ongoing legal battles.
The Center for Reproductive Rights is actively working on behalf of the network, aiming to restore funding and protect access to critical healthcare services. President Nancy Northup has criticized this funding loss as part of a broader campaign to undermine reproductive healthcare availability even in states that uphold abortion rights.
