The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of South Carolina concerning the ongoing conflict over Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood. In a 6-3 decision, the court determined that Medicaid beneficiaries in South Carolina are prohibited from using their coverage at Planned Parenthood, regardless of whether the services obtained are unrelated to abortions.
“This means our patients can no longer come to us for services like their yearly well-woman exams, Pap smears, or breast exams,” stated Vicki Ringer of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic.
This goes back to a 2018 order from Governor Henry McMaster, who directed state agencies to remove clinics from the state’s Medicaid provider list.
Planned Parenthood filed a lawsuit against the state, arguing that federal law entitles Medicaid recipients to select any qualified healthcare provider. However, the Supreme Court disagreed, stating that the federal law does not permit patients to sue concerning access to providers.
“Is not about health care but is about abandoning South Carolinians. This will be an equity disaster in South Carolina,” said Senator Tameika Isaac Devine (D – Richland).
Governor McMaster said, “Seven years ago, we took a stand to protect the sanctity of life and defend South Carolina’s authority and values – and today, we are finally victorious.”
Justin Hall from Palmetto Family Council added, “to get a decision like this, I believe it’s well within the constitutional vein to rule this way. I thought the six justices articulated their point…. It’s a good victory again. Ultimately, these are all incremental victories that get accomplished.”
Planned Parenthood said as of now, there is no date set in stone as to when this is going into effect.
Planned parenthood added they expect this to happen soon in many other states.
