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News| | Publish on Wed, 04/02/2025 - 09:00

Supreme Court to decide if states can strip Planned Parenthood of Medicaid funds

At issue is whether a state, in this case, South Carolina, can remove Planned Parenthood clinics from its state Medicaid program, even though Medicaid funds cannot generally be used to fund abortions.

Supreme Court to decide if states can strip Planned Parenthood of Medicaid funds

The case before the Supreme Court involving Planned Parenthood and South Carolina's Medicaid program is a contentious one. While the issue at hand may seem to be about Medicaid funding and provider qualifications, the underlying debate is centered around abortion. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic operates clinics in South Carolina that provide essential medical care to low-income patients through Medicaid. While Medicaid funds cannot be used for abortions, the clinics offer a wide range of other services, including physical exams, cancer screenings, and contraception care. However, the state's governor issued executive orders in 2018 to remove Planned Parenthood from the Medicaid program due to its abortion services. The lower courts have ruled in favor of Planned Parenthood, citing federal Medicaid law that allows patients to choose any qualified provider for their care. South Carolina argues that taxpayers should not have their Medicaid dollars going to an organization that provides abortions. The case now hinges on whether Planned Parenthood can be excluded from the state's Medicaid program and whether patients have the right to sue for their access to care. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for Medicaid patients across the country. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of South Carolina, it could set a precedent for other states to follow suit, potentially limiting access to medical care for low-income individuals. The decision will not only impact Planned Parenthood but also the broader healthcare landscape for Medicaid patients.

Author Name: Nina Totenberg

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