The Supreme Court ruled that states have the authority to deny Planned Parenthood access to Medicaid funding for services such as contraception and cancer screenings, a decision that is part of a broader effort by Republicans to defund the organization.
In a 6-3 decision, the court found that while Medicaid law allows individuals to choose their healthcare provider, this provision is not enforceable in court.
The big picture: The majority opinion, written by Justice Neil Gorsuch and supported by the conservative justices, effectively closes off Planned Parenthood’s legal pathway to retain Medicaid funding through patient lawsuits.
- The ruling has significant implications for Planned Parenthood, as Medicaid patients often rely on the organization for essential healthcare services due to the challenges of finding providers who accept publicly funded insurance.
Driving the news: South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, a vocal opponent of Planned Parenthood, has been at the forefront of the efforts to cut off Medicaid funding for the organization. The proposed budget bill endorsed by President Donald Trump would also reduce Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood, potentially leading to the closure of numerous clinics across the country.
- The case originated in South Carolina when McMaster attempted to block Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood in 2018. A patient, Julie Edwards, challenged this decision in court, arguing that she should have the right to choose her healthcare provider under Medicaid law.
- Justice Gorsuch emphasized that decisions regarding Medicaid funding and provider choices should be made by elected representatives rather than the courts.
- However, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, along with other liberal justices, dissented, warning that the ruling could harm individuals who rely on Medicaid for essential healthcare services.
