Introduction to Planned Parenthood Closures
Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties is laying off 81 people as it shutters Melody Health, its primary care practice. The organization, which made the announcement on Monday, Oct. 13, said it was making “additional cuts as a direct result of the Trump administration unjustly defunding Planned Parenthood,” and blocking them from receiving federal Medicaid funds.
The Impact of Defunding
“The only way to describe this moment is devastating,” said Krista Hollinger, chief executive officer of Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties. “It’s devastating for the staff who will no longer be with us, the patients who will no longer receive our exceptional care, and the legacy of a brand that filled a critical care gap within our community.” Medicaid provides healthcare coverage for eligible low-income individuals, including children and their families, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Effects on Patients and Services
Planned Parenthood said terminating the healthcare service would affect more than 13,000 patients enrolled at its seven clinics in Orange and San Bernardino counties who use Melody Health. The clinics provide primary care services such as annual wellness checks, cold and flu treatment, vaccines, diabetes management, vaccinations and behavioral health services. Four of the 81 staff position cuts came about as a result of a pullback in federal funding to the California Personal Responsibility Education Program, also known as CA PREP, as well as grant funding from the Health and Human Services Department which historically supported Planned Parenthood’s sexual education programs for the LGBTQ community in the two-county area.
Staff and Operational Changes
The layoffs include physicians, nurses and administrative staff. About 450 healthcare professionals and administrative staff will be left with Planned Parenthood after the layoffs go into effect, Hollinger said. Melody Health is co-located at seven Planned Parenthood healths centers in Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Santa Ana, Westminster, San Bernardino and Upland. Planned Parenthood began winding down operations at Melody Health on Monday and expects to completely close down the practice by Dec. 13.
Causes and Reactions
Hollinger said that the defunding of Planned Parenthood is the result of this past summer’s passage by Congress of Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill Act.” The defunding provision of the law, which was signed by Trump on July 4, 2025, had previously been paused under a court injunction in July, but became effective once again when the injunction was stayed in September. “We know our neighborhood health centers are a lifeline for over 130,000 patients (who used the organization’s services in 2025) in Orange and San Bernardino counties alone,” Hollinger said. “We are the only healthcare provider many of these patients see. Unfortunately, we are now in an unprecedented situation with defunding, and a deeply painful reality has been forced on us.”
Continuing Services and Support
The Orange and San Bernardino organization is one of the largest Planned Parenthood affiliates in the United States as measured by patient volume. The people laid off were given 60 days notice under the California’s Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification — or WARN Act — which is required when an employer layoffs off more than 50 employees or a significant percentage of its staff. As of Monday, Hollinger said that all nine Planned Parenthood health centers in Orange and San Bernardino counties will remain open for reproductive care services. The surviving entity will still be able to provide services such as gynecological exams, screenings for breast and cervical cancer, Pap smears to detect cell changes in a cervix, birth control, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment, urinary tract infection testing and treatment and abortion care. Hollinger also made a plea for financial support through donations in order to keep the doors open of the healthcare provider.
Conclusion
The closure of Melody Health and the layoffs of 81 staff members mark a significant challenge for Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties. The organization’s ability to continue providing essential healthcare services to its patients will depend on its capacity to adapt to the new funding landscape and secure alternative sources of support. The community’s response to this situation will be crucial in determining the future of healthcare provision in the region.
FAQs
- Q: Why is Planned Parenthood closing Melody Health?
A: Planned Parenthood is closing Melody Health due to defunding by the Trump administration, which has blocked the organization from receiving federal Medicaid funds. - Q: How many staff members are being laid off?
A: 81 staff members are being laid off as a result of the closure of Melody Health. - Q: What services will be affected by the closure?
A: The closure will affect primary care services such as annual wellness checks, cold and flu treatment, vaccines, diabetes management, vaccinations, and behavioral health services. - Q: Will Planned Parenthood health centers remain open?
A: Yes, all nine Planned Parenthood health centers in Orange and San Bernardino counties will remain open for reproductive care services. - Q: How can the community support Planned Parenthood?
A: The community can support Planned Parenthood by making financial donations to help the organization continue providing essential healthcare services.
