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Case: National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association v. Kennedy, Jr.

1:26-cv-01684 | U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

Filed Date: June 18, 2026

Case Ongoing

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

(This summary is temporary while we research the case further). On June 18, 2026, the National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association and the Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania sued federal health officials in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. The plaintiffs challenged an April 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity for Title X family planning grants that contained several allegedly unlawful provisions, including anti-DEI and anti "gender ideology" priorities. Plaintiffs alleged these requirements violated the APA by conflicting with statutory criteria, exceeding agency authority, bypassing notice-and-comment rulemaking, and constituting arbitrary and capricious action.

People

For PACER's information on parties and their attorneys, see: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73501422/parties/national-family-planning-reproductive-health-association-v-kennedy-jr/


Attorney for Plaintiff

Amiri, Brigitte (Pennsylvania)

Burrows, Meagan (Pennsylvania)

Ellmann, Nora (Pennsylvania)

Mendias, Ryan (Pennsylvania)

Attorney for Defendant

Judge, Timothy S. (Pennsylvania)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Documents in this case
1

1:26-cv-01684

Complaint For Declaratory and Injuctive Relief

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

Complaint
23

1:26-cv-01684

Plaintiffs’ Motion For Summary Judgment Or, In The Alternative, A Preliminary Injunction

National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association et al. v. Kennedy, Jr. et al.

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

Pleading / Motion / Brief
24

1:26-cv-01684

Plaintiffs’ Memorandum In Support Of Their Motion For Summary Judgment Or, In The Alternative, For A Preliminary Injunction

National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association et al. v. Kennedy, Jr. et al.

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

Pleading / Motion / Brief
35

1:26-cv-01684

First Amended Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief

National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association et al. v. Kennedy, Jr. et al.

July 13, 2026

July 13, 2026

Complaint
40

1:26-cv-01684

Plaintiffs’ Memorandum In Support Of Their Motion For Summary Judgment Or, In The Alternative, For A Preliminary Injunction

National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association et al. v. Kennedy, Jr. et al.

July 15, 2026

July 15, 2026

Pleading / Motion / Brief
47

1:26-cv-01684

Memorandum In Support Of Defendants’ Motion To Dismiss The First Amended Complaint For Lack Of Jurisdiction

National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association et al. v. Kennedy, Jr. et al.

July 31, 2026

July 31, 2026

Pleading / Motion / Brief

Docket

See docket on RECAP: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/73501422/national-family-planning-reproductive-health-association-v-kennedy-jr/

Last updated Aug. 1, 2026, 2:02 p.m.

ECF Number Description Date Link Date / Link
1

COMPLAINT against All Defendants ( Filing fee $405, Receipt Number APAMDC-7458749), filed by National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit A, # 3 Exhibit B, # 4 Exhibit C, # 5 Civil Cover Sheet)(ll) (Entered: 06/18/2026)

1 Exhibit List

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit A

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit B

View on RECAP

4 Exhibit C

View on RECAP

5 Civil Cover Sheet

View on RECAP

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

Clearinghouse
2

Summons Issued as to All Defendants and provided TO ATTORNEY ELECTRONICALLY VIA ECF for service on Defendant(s)in the manner prescribed by Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. (NOTICE TO ATTORNEYS RECEIVING THE SUMMONS ELECTRONICALLY: You must print the summons and the attachment when you receive it in your e-mail and serve them with the complaint on all defendants in the manner prescribed by Rule 4 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure). After you make service, you are further directed to file a Return of Service using the event Summons Returned Executed as to USA under the category Service of Process, in ECF. (Attachments: # 1 Summons Packet) (ll) (Entered: 06/18/2026)

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

3

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO FRCP 7.1 by Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania. (Rose, Sara) (Entered: 06/18/2026)

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

4

DISCLOSURE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO FRCP 7.1 by National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association. (Rose, Sara) (Entered: 06/18/2026)

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

Docket Annotation

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

DOCKET ANNOTATION: Attorney Rose is directed to have Attorney Summers file for special admission (or make arrangements to be generally admitted) and to request e-filing privileges through pacer.uscourts.gov (all participating attorneys are required to be e-filers unless they petition the Chief Judge for exemption). (ll)

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

DOCKET ANNOTATION: Attorneys Amiri, Burrows, Mendias, Tejada and Ellmann can find information regarding general or special admission at https://www.pamd.uscourts.gov/forms/petition-admission-practice. (ll)

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

DOCKET ANNOTATION: This case is assigned to Judge Wilson. (ll)

June 18, 2026

June 18, 2026

5

Letter to Counsel of Record. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 6/22/2026. (ktt) (Entered: 06/22/2026)

June 22, 2026

June 22, 2026

6

ORDER regarding motions pursuant to subsections (b), (e), and (f) of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 6/22/2026. (ktt) (Entered: 06/22/2026)

June 22, 2026

June 22, 2026

7

CIVIL PRACTICE ORDER. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 6/22/2026. (ktt) (Entered: 06/22/2026)

June 22, 2026

June 22, 2026

8

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Brigitte Amiri on behalf of Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association Attorney Brigitte Amiri is seeking special admission Filing fee $ 50, receipt number APAMDC-7463202.. (Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 06/23/2026)

June 23, 2026

June 23, 2026

9

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Meagan Burrows on behalf of Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association Attorney Meagan Burrows is seeking special admission Filing fee $ 50, receipt number APAMDC-7463232.. (Burrows, Meagan) (Entered: 06/23/2026)

June 23, 2026

June 23, 2026

10

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Ryan Mendias on behalf of Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association Attorney Ryan Mendias is seeking special admission Filing fee $ 50, receipt number APAMDC-7463241.. (Mendias, Ryan) (Entered: 06/23/2026)

June 23, 2026

June 23, 2026

11

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Chelsea G. Tejada on behalf of Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association Attorney Chelsea Tejada is seeking special admission Filing fee $ 50, receipt number APAMDC-7463294.. (Tejada, Chelsea) (Entered: 06/23/2026)

June 23, 2026

June 23, 2026

12

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Nora Ellmann on behalf of Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association Attorney Nora Ellmann is seeking special admission Filing fee $ 50, receipt number APAMDC-7463331.. (Ellmann, Nora) (Entered: 06/23/2026)

June 23, 2026

June 23, 2026

13

PETITION FOR SPECIAL ADMISSION (PRO HAC VICE) by Robin Summers on behalf of National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association Attorney Robin Summers is seeking special admission Filing fee $ 50, receipt number APAMDC-7463424.. (Summers, Robin) (Entered: 06/23/2026)

June 23, 2026

June 23, 2026

14

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Brigitte Amiri. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 6/24/2026. (ktt) (Entered: 06/24/2026)

June 24, 2026

June 24, 2026

15

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Meagan Burrows. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 6/24/2026. (ktt) (Entered: 06/24/2026)

June 24, 2026

June 24, 2026

16

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Ryan Mendias. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 6/24/2026. (ktt) (Entered: 06/24/2026)

June 24, 2026

June 24, 2026

17

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Chelsea Tejada. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 6/24/2026. (ktt) (Entered: 06/24/2026)

June 24, 2026

June 24, 2026

18

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Nora Ellmann. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 6/24/2026. (ktt) (Entered: 06/24/2026)

June 24, 2026

June 24, 2026

19

SPECIAL ADMISSIONS FORM APPROVED as to Robin Summers. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 6/24/2026. (ktt) (Entered: 06/24/2026)

June 24, 2026

June 24, 2026

20

NOTICE of Appearance by Witold J. Walczak on behalf of All Plaintiffs (Walczak, Witold) (Entered: 06/24/2026)

June 24, 2026

June 24, 2026

21

Unopposed MOTION to Exceed Page Limitation by Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 06/30/2026)

June 30, 2026

June 30, 2026

22

ORDER granting 21 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 6/30/2026 (ktt) (Entered: 06/30/2026)

June 30, 2026

June 30, 2026

23

MOTION for Summary Judgment or, in the Alternative, a Preliminary Injunction by Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association. (Attachments: # 1 Memo in Support of Motion, # 2 Statement of Undisputed Facts, # 3 Exhibit List, # 4 Exhibit(s) A, # 5 Exhibit(s) B, # 6 Exhibit(s) C, # 7 Exhibit(s) D, # 8 Exhibit(s) E, # 9 Proposed Order Granting Summary Judgment, # 10 Proposed Order Granting Preliminary Injunction, # 11 Certificate of Having Sought Concurrence)(Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

Clearinghouse
24

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 23 MOTION for Summary Judgment or, in the Alternative, a Preliminary Injunction filed by Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit(s) A, # 3 Exhibit(s) B, # 4 Exhibit(s) C, # 5 Exhibit(s) D, # 6 Exhibit(s) E)(Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

1 Exhibit List

View on PACER

2 Exhibit(s) A

View on PACER

3 Exhibit(s) B

View on PACER

4 Exhibit(s) C

View on PACER

5 Exhibit(s) D

View on PACER

6 Exhibit(s) E

View on PACER

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

Clearinghouse
25

NOTICE of Appearance by Timothy S. Judge on behalf of Brian Christine, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Amy L. Margolis (Judge, Timothy) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

26

SUMMONS Returned Executed by National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. served on 6/24/2026, answer due 8/24/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A)(Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

27

SUMMONS Returned Executed by National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania. Brian Christine served on 6/24/2026, answer due 8/24/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A)(Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

28

SUMMONS Returned Executed by National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania. Amy L. Margolis served on 6/24/2026, answer due 8/24/2026. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A)(Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

29

SUMMONS Returned Executed by National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania. All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) A to Affidavit of Service on All Defendants c/o Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General of the United States)(Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

30

SUMMONS Returned Executed by National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania. All Defendants. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit(s) Ex. A to Affidavit of Service on All Defendants c/o Brian D. Miller, U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania)(Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

31

SCHEDULING ORDER: Telephone Status Conference set for 7/9/2026 at 1:00 PM before Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 7/2/2026. (ktt) (Entered: 07/02/2026)

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

DOCKET ANNOTATION: Attorney Amiri is advised to refile document 23-1 as a separate docket entry using the following event: Civil Events - Motions and Related Filings - Responses and Replies (Briefs) -- Brief in Support of Motion for Summary Judgment (ll)

July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026

32

REQUEST for Adjournment of July 9, 2026 Scheduling Conference by Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association. (Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 07/09/2026)

July 9, 2026

July 9, 2026

34

SCHEDULING ORDER: Telephone Status Conference set for 7/16/2026 at 11:00 AM before Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 7/9/2026. (ktt) (Entered: 07/09/2026)

July 9, 2026

July 9, 2026

35

AMENDED COMPLAINT against All Defendants, filed by National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association, Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit(s) A, # 3 Exhibit(s) B, # 4 Exhibit(s) C)(Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 07/13/2026)

1 Exhibit List

View on RECAP

2 Exhibit(s) A

View on RECAP

3 Exhibit(s) B

View on RECAP

4 Exhibit(s) C

View on RECAP

July 13, 2026

July 13, 2026

Clearinghouse
36

Unopposed MOTION to Exceed Page Limitation by Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 07/13/2026)

July 13, 2026

July 13, 2026

37

NOTICE by Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association re 23 MOTION for Summary Judgment or, in the Alternative, a Preliminary Injunction of Withdrawal of Pending Motion (Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 07/14/2026)

July 14, 2026

July 14, 2026

RECAP
38

ORDER granting 36 Motion for Leave to File Excess Pages. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 7/14/2026 (ktt) (Entered: 07/14/2026)

July 14, 2026

July 14, 2026

DOCKET ANNOTATION: Motion 23 is withdrawn at the request of counsel. (ktt)

July 14, 2026

July 14, 2026

39

MOTION for Summary Judgment or, in the Alternative, a Preliminary Injunction by Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association. (Attachments: # 1 Statement of Undisputed Facts, # 2 Proposed Order Granting Plaintiffs' Motion for Summary Judgment, # 3 Proposed Order Granting Plaintiffs' Motion for a Preliminary Injunction, # 4 Certificate of Nonconcurrence)(Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 07/15/2026)

July 15, 2026

July 15, 2026

40

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 39 MOTION for Summary Judgment or, in the Alternative, a Preliminary Injunction filed by Family Health Council of Central Pennsylvania, National Family Planning & Reproductive Health Association. (Attachments: # 1 Exhibit List, # 2 Exhibit(s) A, # 3 Exhibit(s) B, # 4 Exhibit(s) C, # 5 Exhibit(s) D, # 6 Exhibit(s) E)(Amiri, Brigitte) (Entered: 07/15/2026)

1 Exhibit List

View on PACER

2 Exhibit(s) A

View on PACER

3 Exhibit(s) B

View on PACER

4 Exhibit(s) C

View on PACER

5 Exhibit(s) D

View on PACER

6 Exhibit(s) E

View on PACER

July 15, 2026

July 15, 2026

Clearinghouse
42

SCHEDULING ORDER: Oral Argument set for 9/11/2026 at 9:30 AM in Harrisburg - Courtroom 8A before Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson. SEE ORDER FOR COMPLETE BRIEFING SCHEDULE. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 7/16/2026. (ktt) (Entered: 07/16/2026)

July 16, 2026

July 16, 2026

RECAP
43

MOTION request to modify scheduling order re 42 Scheduling Order by Brian Christine, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Amy L. Margolis. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Judge, Timothy) (Entered: 07/30/2026)

July 30, 2026

July 30, 2026

44

ORDER granting 43 Motion requesting to modify scheduling order. Signed by Honorable Jennifer P. Wilson on 7/30/2026 (ktt) (Entered: 07/30/2026)

July 30, 2026

July 30, 2026

45

by Brian Christine, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Amy L. Margolis. Administrative Record by the United States. (Attachments: # 1 Declaration, # 2 Exhibit List Index)(Judge, Timothy) (Entered: 07/31/2026)

July 31, 2026

July 31, 2026

46

MOTION to Dismiss by Brian Christine, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Amy L. Margolis. (Attachments: # 1 Proposed Order)(Judge, Timothy) (Entered: 07/31/2026)

July 31, 2026

July 31, 2026

47

BRIEF IN SUPPORT re 46 MOTION to Dismiss filed by Brian Christine, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Amy L. Margolis.(Judge, Timothy) (Entered: 07/31/2026)

July 31, 2026

July 31, 2026

Clearinghouse

DOCKET ANNOTATION: This is a courtesy notation to all counsel to include certificates of service with the main document being filed in ECF; please do not file the certificate of service as a separate document. (ll)

July 31, 2026

July 31, 2026

DOCKET ANNOTATION: This is a courtesy notation to all counsel when filing exhibits, the exhibits should be separated and made as attachments to the main documents. Each must be labeled with a description of the exhibit. (ll)

July 31, 2026

July 31, 2026

Case Details

State / Territory:

Pennsylvania

Case Type(s):

Healthcare Access and Reproductive Issues

Special Collection(s):

Trump Administration 2.0: Challenges to the Government

Key Dates

Filing Date: June 18, 2026

Case Ongoing: Yes

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

The plaintiffs are a national reproductive health nonprofit organization and a regional provider.

Plaintiff Type(s):

Non-profit NON-religious organization

Private Plaintiff

Attorney Organizations:

ACLU Affiliates (any)

Public Interest Lawyer: Yes

Filed Pro Se: No

Class Action Sought: No

Class Action Outcome: Not sought

Defendants

Federal

Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services

Department of Health and Human Services

Deputy Director of Office of Population Affairs

Secretary of Health and Human Services

Defendant Type(s):

Hospital/Health Department

Facility Type(s):

Government-run

Case Details

Causes of Action:

Administrative Procedure Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 551 et seq.

Other Dockets:

Middle District of Pennsylvania 1:26-cv-01684

Available Documents:

Complaint (any)

Trial Court Docket

Outcome

Prevailing Party: None Yet / None

Relief Sought:

Attorneys fees

Declaratory judgment

Injunction

Relief Granted:

None yet

Source of Relief:

None yet

Issues

General/Misc.:

Funding

Medical/Mental Health Care:

Medical care, general

Reproductive rights:

Funding

Reproductive health care (including birth control, abortion, and others)

Recommended Citation