Full Breakdown
Jennifer Siebel Newsom Critiques Reporters at Planned Parenthood Funding Announcement
2/12/2026, 11:59:09 AM
Planned Parenthood Funding Bill Signed into Law
On Wednesday, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill providing a $90 million funding boost for Planned Parenthood clinics in the state. This legislation aims to compensate for federal funding cuts resulting from President Donald Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which prohibits states from using federal Medicaid dollars to reimburse non-abortion services for Planned Parenthood patients for one year. Newsom emphasized that these cuts were not merely about abortion but targeted essential women's healthcare services, stating, "These cuts were designed to attack and assault Planned Parenthood."
Jennifer Siebel Newsom's Response to Reporters
During the press conference, Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the First Partner of California, expressed frustration with reporters for focusing on unrelated topics, such as California's high-speed rail project and Newsom's upcoming meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. She criticized the media's lack of attention to women's health issues, stating, "We just find it incredulous that we have Planned Parenthood here — and women are 51% of the population... and the majority of the questions... have really been about other issues." Her remarks highlighted a perceived disconnect between the media's priorities and the significance of the funding announcement.
Official Statements & Responses
Gavin Newsom reiterated his commitment to supporting Planned Parenthood, describing it as an "extraordinary organization" with 109 clinics across California. He noted that the funding is crucial for maintaining access to healthcare services, particularly for patients traveling from states with stricter abortion laws. In response to Siebel Newsom's comments, KCRA reporter Ashley Zavala pointed out that off-topic questions are common in press conferences, suggesting that the media's role is to cover a range of issues.
Criticism & Opposition
Siebel Newsom's outburst drew mixed reactions. While she aimed to draw attention to women's health, some journalists felt her comments were misplaced. Zavala remarked that press conferences are often an opportunity to address various topics, indicating that the media's questioning style is not inherently dismissive of women's issues. Critics argue that focusing solely on one topic can limit broader discussions necessary for public understanding.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You wonder why we have such a horrific war on women in this country and that these guys are getting away with it. Because you don't seem to care.” — Jennifer Siebel Newsom, First Partner of California
- “These cuts were designed to attack and assault Planned Parenthood,” — Gavin Newsom, Governor of California
What's Next
California's ongoing legal efforts aim to recover federal funding for Planned Parenthood, with the state leading litigation against the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The funding is set to resume in July 2026, and Governor Newsom has indicated that he will continue advocating for reproductive healthcare access in California.
