A federal appeals court has overturned a ruling against Planned Parenthood by a Texas judge known for his anti-abortion and conservative rulings. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled that an anti-abortion group cannot bring a claim based on the actions of Planned Parenthood’s attorneys.
The lawsuit, supported by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, alleged that Planned Parenthood and its affiliates in Texas and Louisiana defrauded Medicaid. The case sought to force Planned Parenthood to return millions of dollars in Medicaid funding that had been used to provide health services to low-income patients, along with billions in damages. The claim was originally based on a 2016 video made by an anti-abortion group, which was later debunked. Despite continued allegations, Planned Parenthood has denied any wrongdoing, calling the lawsuit a politically motivated attack aimed at crippling the organization financially.
For years, legal battles have determined whether Planned Parenthood can remain part of Medicaid programs in Texas and Louisiana. Currently, the organization is still included in Louisiana’s Medicaid program but was removed from Texas’s. In 2023, a federal judge ruled that Planned Parenthood must return Medicaid funds it received from the two states. This judge, appointed during the Trump administration, had previously ruled against abortion rights, including an attempt to revoke FDA approval of the abortion drug mifepristone.
The Fifth Circuit’s three-judge panel overturned the ruling, determining that a third party has no valid legal claim against attorneys for the advice they give to their clients. The panel consisted of judges appointed by different administrations. Their ruling emphasized that existing legal safeguards ensure attorneys act ethically and lawfully.
The court stated that private attorneys are subject to professional standards, potential sanctions, and malpractice suits if they act improperly. Therefore, the attorneys representing Planned Parenthood were found to be immune from claims filed by third parties related to their legal advocacy. However, the ruling clarified that this immunity is limited to advocacy-related actions and does not extend to other potential legal issues.
Planned Parenthood’s general counsel welcomed the decision, calling the lawsuit a politically motivated attempt to weaponize the legal system against reproductive health care providers. The case will now return to the lower court for further proceedings.
