Governor Gavin Newsom’s revised 2025–26 budget proposal has drawn significant criticism from healthcare advocates, particularly concerning its potential impact on women’s reproductive health services in California. 

In November 2024, California voters approved Proposition 56, aiming to increase payments to Medi-Cal providers, including those offering reproductive health services. However, the May Revision of the budget proposes reallocating these funds to address other health-related expenses, effectively diverting resources from their intended purpose. 

Impact on Reproductive Health Providers

The proposed budget cuts could significantly affect providers like Planned Parenthood, which relies heavily on Medi-Cal funding. The elimination of supplemental payments threatens to reduce access to essential services such as contraception, cancer screenings, and abortion care, particularly for low-income and underserved populations. 

Beyond reproductive health, the budget proposal includes measures that could impact various vulnerable groups:

• Undocumented Adults: A proposed freeze on new enrollments for full-scope Medi-Cal coverage for undocumented adults aged 19 and over, effective January 1, 2026. 
• Premiums and Benefit Reductions: Introduction of $100 monthly premiums for certain Medi-Cal enrollees and elimination of benefits like long-term care and dental services for specific populations. 

Advocates’ Response

Healthcare advocates argue that these cuts undermine California’s commitment to reproductive freedom and equitable access to healthcare. They emphasize that the proposed reallocations and service reductions could disproportionately affect marginalized communities, exacerbating existing health disparities. 

As the state legislature reviews the budget proposal, stakeholders continue to advocate for the preservation of funds dedicated to reproductive health and the protection of services for California’s most vulnerable populations.