The Supreme Court’s decision on whether South Carolina can end Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood could reshape healthcare access for millions of Americans and set precedent for other conservative states seeking similar restrictions.
Quick Takes
- The Supreme Court is reviewing a case over South Carolina’s attempt to block Medicaid recipients from using Planned Parenthood services
- At the center of the case is whether Medicaid patients can sue states that restrict their choice of providers
- Governor Henry McMaster argues South Carolina shouldn’t fund abortion providers, though federal law already prohibits Medicaid from covering abortions
- Conservative justices showed skepticism toward arguments that patients have the right to choose any provider they want
- The ruling could have national implications, potentially allowing other states to defund Planned Parenthood
State Rights vs. Patient Choice
The Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a case that could determine whether states can prevent Medicaid recipients from accessing healthcare services at Planned Parenthood. The legal battle began when a South Carolina woman sued the state after being denied the ability to use her Medicaid benefits at Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. The case, formally known as Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, has attracted national attention as it raises questions about legal challenges to state policy limitations, and whether states can establish their own guidelines determining which healthcare providers receive Medicaid funding.
South Carolina, represented by attorney John Bursch from the Alliance Defending Freedom, contends that the state is not legally obligated to fund abortion providers through its Medicaid program. Although federal law already prohibits the use of Medicaid funds for most abortions, South Carolina argues that excluding Planned Parenthood entirely ensures taxpayer money is properly allocated toward comprehensive healthcare services. The state’s position received support from the Trump administration when the case began, which maintained that nothing in the Medicaid Act guarantees recipients can choose any provider they want.
Today at SCOTUS: South Carolina Fights for Right to Defund Planned Parenthood in Medicaid
The state of SC will defend its right to exclude abortion businesses from receiving Medicaid taxpayer dollars in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic.
🧵🔽https://t.co/GMiDmTgzhf pic.twitter.com/5zFcxMD4P1
— SBA Pro-Life America (@sbaprolife) April 2, 2025
Governor’s Push to Redirect Funding
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has been a vocal supporter of the state’s efforts to block Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood. His administration argues that there are plenty of other healthcare providers in the state that offer similar women’s health services without also providing abortions. The governor’s stance aligns with many other Republican-led states that have attempted to cut funding to Planned Parenthood in recent years. Several states, including Texas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Arkansas, have already taken steps to block Medicaid payments to the organization and would likely follow South Carolina’s approach if the Supreme Court rules in the state’s favor.
The governor has repeatedly stated that South Carolina residents do not want their tax dollars supporting organizations that provide abortions. South Carolina currently bans abortions at around six weeks from conception with limited exceptions. The state contends that by excluding Planned Parenthood, it can better allocate resources to healthcare providers that offer more comprehensive services and align with the state’s values.
Planned Parenthood’s Defense and Court Skepticism
During oral arguments, Nicole Saharsky, representing Planned Parenthood, argued that the Medicaid Act requires states to honor recipients’ choice of qualified healthcare providers. She maintained that South Carolina violated the statute by denying Julie Edwards, the plaintiff in the case, access to her preferred provider. However, several conservative justices expressed skepticism about this claim. Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Neil Gorsuch questioned whether the Medicaid Act truly creates an enforceable right for recipients to choose any provider they want, suggesting they might be receptive to South Carolina’s arguments.
Planned Parenthood South Atlantic’s Interim President and CEO, Paige Johnson, countered that blocking Medicaid recipients from accessing their services would primarily harm those already struggling financially. The organization provides various healthcare services beyond abortions, including birth control, cancer screenings, and other preventive care. According to federal records, Planned Parenthood nationally received nearly $700 million in federal funding from 2022 to 2023, making the stakes of this case significant for the organization.
