Planned Parenthood recently made headlines when it deleted all its Instagram posts shortly after the swearing-in of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. While the organization offered little explanation, it did share a cryptic image on its story, featuring just a pair of eyes on a black background.
The following day, Planned Parenthood posted a somewhat playful animated gif saying, “I bet you thought you’d seen the last of me.” However, their Instagram page now shows only three posts focused solely on condom use.
In the wake of these developments, pro-life advocates are intensifying their calls to defund Planned Parenthood. This comes on the heels of a conservative watchdog group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, which has urged the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to halt federal funding to the organization.
Tim Chapman, president of the group Advancing American Freedom, made an urgent appeal, arguing for the defunding of what he described as the largest abortion provider in the United States. According to reports, Planned Parenthood has received substantial federal funding—nearly $22 billion in HHS grants and $53 billion from public health programs between 2019 and 2021.
During his recent confirmation hearing, Secretary Kennedy expressed the belief that “every abortion is a tragedy” and shared President Donald Trump’s view that states should have the authority to govern abortion laws. He indicated his support for Trump’s agenda, including efforts to curb late-term abortions.
With Kennedy leading HHS and Elon Musk overseeing DOGE, pro-choice supporters are growing concerned that Planned Parenthood may face significant budget cuts.
Planned Parenthood has countered these claims, warning that defunding could severely limit access to sexual and reproductive health services. In its recent statements, the organization pointed out that in 2022 alone, it served over 2 million patients, providing critical services without detailing the number of abortions performed.
As the debate around this issue continues, the actions of Planned Parenthood and the responses from government officials and advocacy groups are sure to attract significant attention in the weeks ahead.
