In a dramatic and closely watched vote, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a sweeping funding measure that includes a 10-year ban on federal dollars for organizations that perform abortions.

Passed 215-214, the Big Beautiful Bill Act would cut hundreds of millions in federal funding from organizations like Planned Parenthood, though it still awaits Senate and presidential approval, the Christian Post reported.

The House approved House Resolution 1, referred to as the Big Beautiful Bill Act, on Wednesday following intense debate and partisan division. Only two Republicans voted against the bill, while a third Republican representative voted “present.”

The bill spans more than 1,100 pages and seeks to redirect federal spending across multiple areas. One of its most controversial provisions, listed under Section 44126, would end federal reimbursements and grants to any nonprofit that provides abortions.

This provision, if enacted, would revoke federal funding under Title XIX of the Social Security Act for 10 years. Under its criteria, Planned Parenthood qualifies as a “prohibited entity” and would be defunded during that period.

Provisions Target Leading Abortion Providers

Planned Parenthood is currently the nation’s largest abortion provider, performing more than 402,000 abortions in the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The organization received approximately 39% of its total revenue, around $792 million, from federal reimbursements and grants during that time.

Pro-life advocates have long argued against federal support for abortion providers. They see the bill’s passage as a major victory, though some have expressed concerns about the exceptions it contains.

Section 44126 allows federal funds to still be used in cases involving rape, incest, or when the mother’s health is at risk. While these exceptions are common in abortion-related legislation, some pro-life groups say they weaken the bill’s impact.

Mixed Reactions from Pro-Life Organizations

Pro-life advocacy leaders praised the House passage as a positive step. Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, called it “a big step toward stopping forced taxpayer funding of the Big Abortion industry.”

She also referred to the measure as “a crucial win” against abortion, which she called the nation’s leading cause of death. Dannenfelser added that federal backing for what she views as a “scandal-ridden industry” should come to an end.

Dannenfelser called on the Senate to act swiftly and for both chambers of Congress to finalize the bill. She noted the number of abortions and the reliance on taxpayer dollars as key reasons to move quickly.

Dissent Over Exceptions in Legislation

Others in the pro-life community expressed unease about the bill’s exceptions. Katie Brown Xavios, representing American Life League, warned that they could allow Planned Parenthood to continue collecting federal dollars despite the restrictions.

“If the exceptions are the only way Planned Parenthood will get paid,” she said, “you had better believe that every abortion will now become a life-or-death situation.”

Brown Xavios described the bill as imperfect and cautioned lawmakers against assuming it achieves full defunding of abortion services. She said any continued taxpayer funding could undermine the legislation’s intent.

Supporters Urge Quick Senate Action

Carol Tobias of National Right to Life also praised the bill, stating that it puts “the brakes on federal funding of the abortion industry.” She cited Planned Parenthood’s annual revenue of more than $2 billion as a reason to end taxpayer support.

Tobias said there is no justification for allowing taxpayers to fund an organization responsible for hundreds of thousands of abortions annually. Her comments reflected a wider sentiment among supporters of the legislation.

Brent Leatherwood of the Southern Baptist Convention emphasized the bill’s moral implications. He called the House action a major step toward creating a “culture of life” in the United States.

Senate Vote Expected to Be Close

The bill now moves to the Senate, where Republicans hold a 53-47 majority. Senate approval remains uncertain, as Republican leaders can afford to lose no more than three votes if the measure is to pass.

Leatherwood, echoing the sentiments of other supporters, said the issue goes beyond fiscal concerns. “Preborn lives,” he explained, “and families are at stake.”

He added that removing hundreds of millions of dollars from what he called “predatory organizations” would signal a major blow to the abortion industry in the country.