Supreme Court Allows South Carolina Medicaid Cuts to Planned Parenthood, Threatening 200 Clinics Nationwide

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 decision that Medicaid patients cannot sue states that exclude Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funding, effectively allowing states like South Carolina to block such funds. This ruling supports conservative efforts to defund Planned Parenthood, impacting access to a broad range of health services beyond abortion, including birth control, cancer screenings, and gender-affirming care. Planned Parenthood officials and advocates warn the decision threatens nearly 200 clinics in 24 states, potentially leaving many Medicaid recipients without critical healthcare options. Critics argue this ruling undermines patients' rights to choose healthcare providers and could encourage other states to adopt similar restrictions. Lawmakers like Representative Brittany Pettersen emphasize that for many low-income and rural women, Planned Parenthood is a vital source of healthcare that cannot be easily replaced. The decision originated from a 2018 South Carolina case where the state barred Medicaid funding due to Planned Parenthood's abortion services, despite federal law prohibiting Medicaid funds for abortion itself.