PORTLAND, Maine — A network of medical clinics that serves low-income residents in Maine announced the closure of its primary care operations, effective Friday, as a result of funding cuts mandated by the Trump administration aimed at abortion providers.
Maine Family Planning operates 18 clinics across the state and reported that abortion services constitute a minor fraction of their offerings, which include critical services such as cancer screenings, sexually transmitted disease testing, and contraception. The organization stated that they were forced to terminate primary care due to the federal government’s decision to cut Medicaid funding to abortion providers, including larger entities like Planned Parenthood.
George Hill, president of Maine Family Planning, reported a significant decline in patient retention, stating that this funding cut has driven many patients away from their healthcare providers. Last year, the network serviced over 600 patients through its primary care practices.
Informing these patients that we can no longer accommodate them has been heartbreaking, especially knowing that some may not find it feasible to obtain new healthcare providers and could opt to skip necessary care altogether, Hill disclosed.
The closures are particularly concerning for low-income and rural residents who rely on Maine Family Planning for healthcare. The organization typically receives around $1.9 million annually in Medicaid reimbursements. In total, the network serves approximately 8,000 patients. Notices regarding the impending closures were communicated to patients about a month prior to the shutdown.
Despite legal efforts, including a federal court case initiated by Maine Family Planning against the halt of Medicaid dollars, the network suffered a setback when a federal judge ruled against reinstating funding in August. The organization has since appealed the decision, and the legal campaign is still ongoing.
Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is representing the network in court, stated that this loss of funding is part of a broader initiative to decimate clinics, particularly in states that uphold abortion rights.
Maine Family Planning operates 18 clinics across the state and reported that abortion services constitute a minor fraction of their offerings, which include critical services such as cancer screenings, sexually transmitted disease testing, and contraception. The organization stated that they were forced to terminate primary care due to the federal government’s decision to cut Medicaid funding to abortion providers, including larger entities like Planned Parenthood.
George Hill, president of Maine Family Planning, reported a significant decline in patient retention, stating that this funding cut has driven many patients away from their healthcare providers. Last year, the network serviced over 600 patients through its primary care practices.
Informing these patients that we can no longer accommodate them has been heartbreaking, especially knowing that some may not find it feasible to obtain new healthcare providers and could opt to skip necessary care altogether, Hill disclosed.
The closures are particularly concerning for low-income and rural residents who rely on Maine Family Planning for healthcare. The organization typically receives around $1.9 million annually in Medicaid reimbursements. In total, the network serves approximately 8,000 patients. Notices regarding the impending closures were communicated to patients about a month prior to the shutdown.
Despite legal efforts, including a federal court case initiated by Maine Family Planning against the halt of Medicaid dollars, the network suffered a setback when a federal judge ruled against reinstating funding in August. The organization has since appealed the decision, and the legal campaign is still ongoing.
Nancy Northup, president of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which is representing the network in court, stated that this loss of funding is part of a broader initiative to decimate clinics, particularly in states that uphold abortion rights.
