Life

Planned Parenthood Drops Suit After Trying to Force Taxpayers to Fund Abortions

Planned Parenthood has dropped its lawsuit attempting to block a provision of the One Big Beautiful Bill which prohibits taxpayer dollars from going to abortion providers for one year. The abortion giant dismissed its case Planned Parenthood v. Kennedy.

Last year, congressional Republicans utilized the reconciliation process to enact the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which President Donald J. Trump signed into law on July 4.

The bill contained a provision (Section 71113) defunding abortion providers – including Planned Parenthood – of Medicaid reimbursements to the tune of roughly $850 million.

Before the OBBBA’s enactment, while federal taxpayer dollars couldn’t directly pay for abortions, Medicaid dollars could be used for other services, which indirectly subsidized the abortion business. In its 2024 report, Planned Parenthood reported over $2 billion in income.

Thankfully, 50 Planned Parenthood clinics closed last year as a result of the OBBBA.

Within days of the law’s enactment, Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit arguing Section 71113 was unconstitutional. Within hours, a federal district judge sided with the abortion giant and issued a temporary restraining order blocking the provision’s enforcement.

The Trump administration promptly appealed the ruling, and a three-judge panel on the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously overturned the decision, agreeing that Congress has the constitutional authority to defund Big Abortion organizations.

When Congress utilizes its tax and spending power, it has “‘broad discretion’ to place ‘limits on the use of such funds to ensure they are used in the manner [it] intends,’” the court explained.

As a result, Planned Parenthood agreed to voluntarily dismiss the case rather than appeal it to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Planned Parenthood originally filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, knowing any appeal would be heard by the 1st Circuit – a notoriously liberal appeals court. But the abortion giant’s strategy didn’t pan out.

Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement, calling the development a “key legal win for the pro-life cause.”

“The American people do not want their tax dollars propping up the abortion industry,” said Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) Senior Counsel Erik Baptist, director of the ADF Center for Life, in a statement.

“This legal action should never have happened in the first place, and now we are assured that Planned Parenthood will not bypass the people’s choice to protect taxpayer funding.”

He added,

The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed last year that states have the right to fund real care and exclude organizations like Planned Parenthood that profit off abortion, and we are glad to see the federal government following suit.

Since Section 71113 expires later this year, the Republican Study Committee, a caucus of conservative House lawmakers, has proposed a second reconciliation bill which would extend the defunding provision.

Let’s hope and pray Section 71113 is extended so more babies lives can be saved from the tragedy of abortion.

The case is Planned Parenthood v. Kennedy.

At Focus on the Family, we have been working to turn the cultural tide and save mothers and babies from abortion for years. Since beginning the Option Ultrasound Program in 2004, Focus has helped save over half a million lives. Just $60 will help save a life through Option Ultrasound. Will you partner with us to save lives from abortion?

If you are experiencing an unexpected pregnancy and want to learn more about your options, you can visit My Choice Network.

Related articles and resources:

My Choice Network

I’m Pregnant, Now What?

Dealing With Unplanned Pregnancy

Become an Option Ultrasound Life Advocate

New Insights on the Dangers of the Abortion Pill

Overcoming Abortion and Becoming a Force for Life

Appeals Court Upholds Defunding of Big Abortion Businesses

Photo from Getty Images.

Why We March: Standing for Life with Hope and Resilience

Every January, tens of thousands of Americans gather in Washington, D.C. for the March for Life. They come from different backgrounds, ages, and walks of life, but they are united by the shared belief that every human life has value and deserves protection.

The March for Life is known for its young people, joyfulness, and an unmistakable sense of purpose. 

Families march together. Grandparents return year after year. High school and college studentstravel in large groups to attend. If you’ve ever been to a march, then you know that you’ll see more young people than any other demographic. The crowd is diverse, but the message is unified and clear — all human life matters, and it is worth defending.

What sets the March for Life apart from so many other public demonstrations is its tone. Even in the dead cold of January, the gathering is full of optimism. This is a movement rooted in the belief that truth still has the power to shape culture for good.

At today’s rally, President Trump addressed the crowd via video and was unmistakably clear in his message. He told the crowd that his administration is fully supportive of the pro-life movement because he recognizes that human life is inherently valuable and deserves protection.

Vice President Vance spoke in person to attendees and assured them that they have an ally in the White House. He shared that the Trump Administration will be expanding the Mexico City Policy to cover not just abortions abroad, but also DEI and radical gender ideology. Vice President Vance said the U.S. will block every international NGO that performs abortion abroad from receiving even a dollar of U.S. funding. 

Focus on the Family’s Vice President of Advocacy for Children, Robyn Chambers told the Daily Citizen that she’s often asked why the pro-life movement keeps marching even after Roe has been overturned. She says, “I march because women are still being harmed, lives are lost, and the culture tells us abortion is healthcare and two little pills can ‘fix’ the problem. As long as those lies continue to hurt women and their children, I’ll march, protect and stand for life!”

One of the most encouraging sights each year is the strong presence of young people. High school and college students make up a significant portion of the crowd, bringing energy and clarity to the cause. They reject the premise that abortion is inevitable or necessary. Many see it instead as a challenge their generation is determined to confront with compassion and creativity. Generational commitment matters. Cultural change is slow, and it requires persistence. 

Being pro-life means caring and acting in practical, tangible ways. According to a Charlotte Lozier Institute report, in 2024, pregnancy resource centers nationwide provided over $452 million in care, education, and material support.

The pro-life movement should be proud of how they are stepping up and serving women and babies. It’s making a difference.

The March for Life is a public witness to the world that the most vulnerable in our society deserve protection. We march because life has inherent value regardless of age, location, ability or dependency.

We will continue to march, year after year, until every life is recognized as valuable, every mother is supported, and our laws and culture reflect the fundamental truth that every human life is a gift.

Beyond Politics: The Spiritual Darkness Behind a Nurse’s Shocking Words

Lexie Lawlor, a labor and delivery nurse at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital in Florida, has been fired after declaring in a video she hoped White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt would have a traumatic and devastating childbirth this coming spring.

Karoline Leavitt, age 28, is married to Nicholas Riccio. They’re expecting their second child in May.

In December, Karoline shared the happy news on social media.

“My husband and I are thrilled to grow our family and can’t wait to watch our son become a big brother,” she wrote. “My heart is overflowing with gratitude to God for the blessing of motherhood, which I truly believe is the closest thing to Heaven on Earth … I am so excited to be a girl mom!”

That good news appeared to be bad news for Lawlor, who released a vile and profanity-laden video on her own social channels. In it she wished that Leavitt would be physically harmed by the delivery.

Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer shared the post in disgust and horror but also reached out to the hospital where Lawlor reportedly worked.

This week, a spokesperson for the hospital has issued the following statement:

“The comments made in a social media video by a nurse at one of our facilities do not reflect our values or the standards we expect of health care professionals. Following a prompt review, the individual is no longer employed by our health system.”

Why would anyone, let alone an obstetrics and gynecology nurse, wish a pregnant woman harm?

In recent years, social media has provided radical activists with a platform from which to spew their often vile, hateful and even demonic diatribes. Once isolated to individuals, small groups or perhaps demonstrations, it is possible to now quickly and almost effortlessly propagandize.

Yet it’s one thing to ideologically oppose a politician or policy. Difference of opinion has long been the hallmark of American democracy. And a pluralistic nation demands tolerance lest culture devolve and spiral into chaos.

But what is driving the increase in the vile and profane reaction to the socially conservative viewpoint? Some analysts have even coined a term for certain manifestations of it: Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS). 

But what if it goes beyond the political and ideological?

Despite a growing secularism in America and the world, there is a spiritual darkness that Christians must acknowledge and confront. Writes Dr. Albert Mohler, president of Southern Seminary:

The Bible clearly teaches that the Devil and his demons are real and that these invisible enemies are bent on destroying our spiritual lives. Yet many evangelicals rarely, if ever, meditate on our lives in light of this truth. Some Christians avoid any discussion of demonic forces because they are overreacting to fanatics who obsess over evil spirits and see the Devil in everything. Still other Christians fear that if we start to talk too much about the Devil, we will inevitably undermine personal responsibility in our sin.

Certainly the Devil and his demons are not behind every corner of our lives and responsible for every negative spiritual thing that happens. Yet at the same time, the Bible clearly warns us about demonic powers and encourages us to remain diligently opposed to their influence.

Regrettably, many Christians are blissfully complacent in matters of spiritual warfare. If Christians truly embraced biblical teaching on demonic powers, we would come to church with a tremendous sense of the fact that God has rescued us from the domain of darkness. As Søren Kierkegaard observed of the Danish church in his generation, most people sit in church, listen with their hands folded over their stomachs, and direct their sleepy eyes slightly upward. Rather than celebrating their redemption from the domain of darkness and living in light ofthis truth, they are indifferent to the fight. Jesus’ final petition reminds us that we have a daily fight against principalities and powers: “lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.”

As Christians, we can act and live with great confidence knowing that Christ has already overcome and conquered the evil in this world. But until He returns, we must grapple with forces that seek to undermine, discourage and defeat us in the fight. 

As Martin Luther wrote in the majestic hymn, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God,” — “And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God has willed, His truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him.”

Please join us in praying that those overcome with such hatred in their hearts will turn toward the Light — and let’s also pray for the health and safety of Karoline and Nicholas, as well as their pre-born daughter.

The Untold Story of How Cardinal Dolan Helped Make a Times Square Pro-Life Rally Possible

Many evangelicals are aware of Timothy Michael Dolan, the Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of New York’s 2.8 million Catholics.

Cardinal Dolan, as he is called, will be retiring next month. He’s been a priest for almost 50 years, and at his current post since 2009. As a result of Canon 401 of the Code of Canon Law, bishops are required to submit their resignation at the age of 75, which Cardinal Dolan did earlier this year. He’ll be officially turning things over to Bishop Ronald Hicks.

Writing in the Wall Street Journal last month, the Reverend Raymond de Souza called his friend a happy warrior — an apt description. He explained:

The premise of Cardinal Dolan’s pastoral approach is that it is easier to do hard things with a lightness of spirit. Things are easier if you are having fun. Following Jesus is already challenging enough without the added burden of being chronically annoyed, angry or aggrieved.

Cardinal Dolan exhibited that lightness of spirit the day Focus on the Family president Jim Daly joined him in his First Avenue office on a snowy January day back in 2014. I had the privilege of accompanying him that day and was honored to meet the Catholic prelate. I had admired Cardinal Dolan from a distance since his appointment. His public persona of a “hail fellow well met” guy was well known.

Greeting us warmly, we were ushered into his office. He immediately started asking questions, inquired about our personal backgrounds, family, ministry efforts, our hopes and dreams. The conversation turned to baseball. Growing up in St. Louis, he idolized Stan Musial. We had just passed the one-year anniversary of Stan’s death. Dolan said being a fan of his “made him proud to now be a Cardinal.”

Jim Daly and Cardinal Dolan spent some time talking about their mutual commitment to preserving and protecting innocent preborn life. They discussed the upcoming March for Life in Washington, D.C., adoption, efforts to save more babies, and specifically, Focus on the Family’s Option Ultrasound program. The two happy Irishmen parted ways with promises to remain in touch and to continue looking for ways to work together.

There were notes and conversations in the proceeding years, but nothing as significant as in the spring of 2019 when Focus on the Family announced plans to feature a live ultrasound in New York City’s Times Square on Saturday, May 4.

The audacious idea was hatched after the New York State Legislature passed a radical abortion bill that expanded and increased the deaths of preborn babies. In fact, many of the legislators literally cheered its passage on the chamber floor. The Empire State Building was specially lit to commemorate the politician’s embrace of the culture of death.

“Let’s broadcast a live ultrasound on a big screen in Times Square,” suggested Daly. The team reached out to owners of the various digital billboards. All of them eagerly took our calls — until they heard what we wanted to put up on their screens. Suddenly, they didn’t have any availability, despite having plenty moments earlier.

We decided to rent our own screens, which would be pulled in on big trucks. But an event of this caliber and scope required special permitting from the city. We were told city officials would likely frown on allowing such a high-profile pro-life event. The New York City Police Department also needed to approve — and given the controversial subject matter, it was unlikely they would sign off on such a spectacle.

Back at Focus headquarters, teams were praying daily for the many details of the event, which we decided to title, “Alive From New York.” Messages and emails weren’t being returned very quickly from city officials. We were told that if approval came at all, it would likely take a long time. With the days ticking away, we had to plan as if it would happen despite not having approval to hold it.

It was the writer of Ecclesiastes (traditionally thought to be King Solomon) who observed, “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (4:12). Amid the delay, Jim Daly reached out to Cardinal Dolan to brief him on our plans. He was excited and the archbishop offered to help break the logjam.

Over the years, Focus had also forged a relationship with not only Cardinal Dolan, but also the “Sisters of Life,” a religious community in New York City dedicated to supporting women navigating unplanned pregnancies. A colleague and I visited a representative of the group during a visit to New York to see if they might be willing to help us navigate city politics.

When approval finally came the night before the event, we later found out it was Cardinal Dolan, along with the Sisters of Life, who had pressed the issue on our behalf. Over 20,000 people packed Times Square that next day — the largest ever pro-life rally in New York.

Scripture makes clear the power of relationships, especially when it comes to partnering with likeminded people and groups. There was no way of knowing back on that snowy day in 2014 that a friendly meeting would five years later lead to a remarkable day at the “Crossroads of the World” — but that’s just how the Lord works.

We wish Cardinal Dolan a productive and happy retirement.

America’s Birthday Should Be a Declaration of the Right to Life

Red, white and blue confetti fell from the sky in Times Square, as a patriotic New Year’s Eve crystal ball came down to welcome 2026.

At the same time, the Washington Monument lit up like a giant birthday candle for America, with video projections celebrating key moments in an American history that can fittingly be described as miraculous.

As we welcomed the New Year, we have welcomed the 250th birthday of America, marked by the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

On Friday, January 23, the day of the national March for Life in Washington, DC, I will again lead the National Prayer Service in the historic and beautiful Constitution Hall, located at 1776 D St. NW, at 18th and D Streets.

The theme of this inspirational event will be In Celebration of America’s 250th Birthday – Celebrating the Right to Life as Recognized in Our Declaration of Independence.

My pro-life ministry, Priests for Life, and I are honored to be a part of the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, along with other national leaders, which is preparing for the celebration of our nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026. The Coalition is led by the America First Policy Institute, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Education.

In the coming months, events will be held as we plan to celebrate the 250th birthday of this bold and hopeful experiment known as the United States of America, and to educate our fellow citizens on the meaning of our founding documents and the extraordinary system of government our Founders have left us.

The key focus my ministry brings to this anniversary celebration of the adoption of the

Declaration of Independence is that this birth certificate of our country clearly and strongly proclaims that God is the source of our rights, that the first of those rights is life, and that government exists to secure those rights.

A proper understanding of these founding principles can only lead to one conclusion regarding abortion: governments have no authority to permit the killing of babies.

This is why the first of our activities as a member group of this Coalition is the National Prayer Service. Clergy and activists of all denominations will gather to pray for an end to abortion, for unity in the pro-life movement, to honor individuals for their outstanding work, and to praise the Lord before we march to the Supreme Court.

At this interdenominational service, Liche Ariza—who plays the role of Gedera, a Sadducee in Jerusalem and a member of the Sanhedrin in The Chosen—will be our special guest speaker. I will preach the sermon, and we will honor the memory of Charlie Kirk. For him, abortion was indeed a fundamental issue, a key passion. We spoke of it, privately and publicly, many times, and worked together to elect pro-life candidates. His message and example inspires a new generation of pro-life activists.

Co-sponsors of the National Prayer Service include the National Institute of Family and Life Advocates, American Principles Project, Bott Radio Network, Thomas More Society, Human Life Alliance, The Justice Foundation, Operation Outcry, Timothy Plan, and Intercessors for America.

Please join and/or promote this event, as well as the numerous events throughout this new year for America’s 250th birthday. May our love for this country and our faithful citizenship be renewed as never before!

For more information on the prayer service, visit NationalPrayerService.com, and for more information on the educational activities for America’s 250th birthday, visit America250Civics.org.