Planned Parenthood is getting involved in the redistricting battle

August 22, 2025

California abortion rights groups are supporting Democratic efforts to redraw congressional maps in response to Republican redistricting attempts in Texas. Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed legislation approving new Democratic-leaning maps, which will go before voters in a November special election. This political mobilization comes as Planned Parenthood and other reproductive rights organizations face funding cuts and restrictions following the overturning of Roe v.

Who is affected

California and Texas voters
Current Republican House members in California who could lose their seats
Planned Parenthood and its affiliates
Medicaid recipients facing potential cuts
Low-income Americans who depend on safety net healthcare providers
Abortion rights advocates and patients seeking reproductive care
Democratic and Republican congressional candidates in affected districts

What action is being taken

California legislators have approved new congressional maps drawn by Newsom allies
Governor Newsom has signed the redistricting legislation into law
Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California is actively supporting Newsom's ballot measure
Planned Parenthood Texas Votes is urging supporters to testify at special session meetings
Reproductive rights organizations are mobilizing politically against Republican redistricting efforts
Democratic leaders are encouraging other blue states to follow California's redistricting approach

Why it matters

The redistricting battle could determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives
The outcome may impact future abortion legislation and healthcare funding
Recent Republican legislation includes nearly $1 trillion in Medicaid cuts over 10 years
Conservative states have implemented laws severely restricting abortion access
The Trump administration has barred Planned Parenthood from receiving reimbursement for non-abortion services
Public polling shows healthcare cuts and abortion restrictions are unpopular with voters
The precedent of mid-decade redistricting could change how electoral maps are drawn nationwide

What's next

California voters will decide on the new congressional maps in a November special election
If approved, the new districts would be in effect for the 2026, 2028, and 2030 elections
The state's independent redistricting commission would regain control after the 2030 census
Leaders in Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New York, and Ohio may explore similar redistricting actions

Read full article from source: The 19th