In a 6-3 opinion, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that states can block Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funds for health services other than abortions. While public health care money is not legally used to pay for abortions, Julie Edwards, the patient in the case, argued that she and other Medicaid patients go to Planned Parenthood for other health services because the organization takes the publicly funded insurance.
Justice Neil Gorsuch and five other justices found that “while Medicaid law allows people choose their own provider, that does not make it a right enforceable in court in the case,” which originated in South Carolina, AP News reported.
“Deciding whether to permit private enforcement poses delicate policy questions involving competing costs and benefits—decisions for elected representatives, not judges,” Gorsuch wrote.
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, who originally wanted to cut off the Medicaid funding in 2018, but was met with a lawsuit from Edwards, agrees with the Supreme Court’s ruling and said Planned Parenthood should not get any taxpayer money. President Donald Trump also backs Congress’ attempt to cut Medicaid money for Planned Parenthood in the budget bill.
“[His state has taken] a stand to protect the sanctity of life and defend South Carolina’s authority and values—and today, we are finally victorious,” McMaster said.
Planned Parenthood officials said this could force up to 200 center to close and most of then are in states where abortion is legal.
“Instead of patients now deciding where to get care, that now lies with the state,” Katherine Farris, chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, said. “If they fall on hard financial times, as many are right now, they are fundamentally less free.”
Justice Gorsuch said that patients “can appeal through other administrative processes if coverage is denied,” AP reported.
In South Carolina, 3.5 percent of patients who go for services unrelated to abortion or gender-affirming care are covered by Medicaid Planned Parenthood officials said. Vicki Ringer, a spokesperson for the South Carolina branch, said they will continue to provide care for women who are on Medicaid and won’t bill the government.
“This does not close us down despite the governor’s best efforts,” Ringer said.
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