The US Supreme Court is set to hear a case on Wednesday that challenges South Carolina’s attempt to defund Planned Parenthood because the organization performs abortions. In 2018, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued an executive order that blocked clinics providing abortions from receiving Medicaid reimbursements. Although federal law prohibits Medicaid from covering most abortions, the reimbursements are for Planned Parenthood’s other services, such as Pap tests, breast exams, STI tests, and birth control services. The case, Medina v Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, involves Planned Parenthood South Atlantic and a patient seeking birth control, Julie Edwards, who sued over McMaster’s order. Lower courts have prevented the order from taking effect. If South Carolina wins, other states could exclude Planned Parenthood from their Medicaid programs, affecting millions of people relying on the organization for reproductive healthcare and family planning services. The case also raises concerns about Medicaid beneficiaries’ right to choose their providers and the broader implications of politically driven decisions regarding medical care. Texas, which terminated Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program in 2021, serves as an example of what happens when people lose access to Planned Parenthood, disrupting healthcare for thousands. The case is part of a longstanding anti-abortion campaign against Planned Parenthood, including a lawsuit that could bankrupt the organization over allegations of Medicaid fraud. Additionally, the Trump administration has notified nine of Planned Parenthood’s affiliates that they will lose funding from Title X, the national family-planning program, as punishment for the organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/02/planned-parenthood-medicaid-us-supreme-court