WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – States can now block the country’s largest abortion provider, Planned Parenthood, from receiving Medicaid money.
Republicans who have sought to cut funding for Planned Parenthood are rejoicing over the ruling, whereas Democrats maintain that taxpayer dollars are already prohibited from paying for abortions.
Dueling protests broke out in front of the U.S. Supreme Court after it ruled states can block Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood.
“This is a really devastating decision,” said Planned Parenthood Spokesperson Molly Rivera.
Planned Parenthood stresses the 6-3 decision could now force about 200 of its centers to close, mostly in states where abortion is legal.
The organization argues Medicaid pays for its patients’ overall healthcare.
“We’re talking about birth control, cancer screenings, testing and treatment for STIs, and just regular primary care,” said Rivera.
Democrats in Congress say the ruling is part of a larger playbook.
“This has been Donald Trump and the Republicans’ aim from the start: to defund Planned Parenthood and, in due course, to outlaw abortion care,” stated Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-R.I.).
The White House applauded the justices’ decision.
“The president has consistently asserted that Americans should not be compelled to go against their conscience and religious freedoms by having their tax dollars finance abortions,” mentioned White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
Medicaid money generally cannot be used to pay for abortions.
Republicans say Congress should pass President Trump’s budget bill because it would also cut Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood.
“We need to quit giving Planned Parenthood federal taxpayer money,” said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.).
The Supreme Court will meet on Friday for its final scheduled session of its term. Decisions in six cases remain, including President Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants.
