Reproductive Health
DHCS ensures Medi-Cal members have reliable access to high-quality reproductive health care and family planning services, including contraception, abortion, sexually transmitted infection care, and maternal health.
Notable Federal Actions
Prohibiting Federal Medicaid Reimbursement for Select Providers
H.R. 1 Section 71113 prohibits federal Medicaid funding for certain “prohibited entities” for one year. A “prohibited entity” is defined as:
A nonprofit (501(c)(3)) health care provider;
An essential community provider that primarily offers family planning and reproductive health services;
Provides abortion services (except in cases of rape, incest, or life endangerment); and
Received more than $800,000 in Medicaid reimbursements in Federal Fiscal Year 2023.
Actions California Is Taking
Provider Guidance
DHCS released a series of
Provider Bulletin articles as well as All Plan Letter 25-011, clarifying abortion services remain covered under Medi-Cal using state-only funds. Non-abortion services rendered by prohibited entities are subject to federal restrictions.
State Investment
In October 2025,
Governor Newsom announced over $140 million in state funding to keep Planned Parenthood health centers open amid federal defunding efforts.
In February 2026, Governor Newsom announced that the California Legislature approved a $90 million grant package for women’s health clinics, including Planned Parenthood, to maintain access to reproductive health services amid federal funding cuts. This exceeds the $60 million proposed in the Governor’s January Budget and supports clinics providing essential care, excluding abortion procedures.
Maternal Health Equity
DHCS launched the
Transforming Maternal Health Model, a 10-year, $17 million initiative to improve maternal health outcomes in high-risk counties, as well as the Birthing Care Pathway, the first
Doula Benefit Implementation Report, and a
Postpartum Pathway concept paper to address medical and social needs after birth.
Cross-Agency Initiative to Expand Access
California’s $120 million
Reproductive Health Care Access Initiative through the Department of Health Care Access and Information, funds infrastructure, workforce development, practical support, and the University of San Francisco’s
Reproductive Health Hotline for real-time provider guidance.
Resources
Page last updated April 22, 2026