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 temporarily prohibited federal Medicaid funding for certain “prohibited entities” from July 4, 2025, through July 3, 2026. Effective July 4, 2026, the one-year restriction expired and is no longer in effect.
- Limiting Access to Mifepristone
- In May 2026, a federal appeals court granted a request by the Louisiana Attorney General to reinstate the requirement that mifepristone, a medication used in the majority of abortions nationwide and in managing miscarriages, be dispensed in person at a clinic, medical office, or hospital, rather than through telehealth. The Supreme Court has blocked enforcement while litigation proceeds.
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.
- 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.
- Statement of Support for Mifepristone Access
- Governor Newsom condemned the lower federal court decision limiting access to mifepristone. The California Attorney General’s Office also joined a coalition of 22 states urging the Supreme Court to halt enforcement while litigation proceeds.