The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to tackle South Carolina's bid to cut off Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood. The state argues that Medicaid should assist low-income individuals with medical needs, not abortion providers. According to the Alliance Defending Freedom, representing South Carolina's DHHS, states should decide who gets state funding. Planned Parenthood counters that federal law prevents states from meddling in patients' choices of family planning providers. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against the state three times, maintaining funding for Planned Parenthood. The Supreme Court is set to hear the case before the spring session ends.
What's the backstory? In 2018, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued an executive order directing DHHS to drop abortion providers from the state's Medicaid list. Federal laws ban using Medicaid for abortions, except in cases of rape, incest, or when the mother's life is at risk. McMaster wanted to ensure no taxpayer dollars went to abortion providers, regardless of other services they offer. Planned Parenthood and Medicaid patient Julie Edwards sued, leading to a district court blocking the order.
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