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By Gabe Whisnant
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A divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that states can block Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, delivering a victory to Republicans seeking to defund the nation's largest abortion provider. The 6–3 decision, with the court's three liberal justices dissenting, centers on a South Carolina case involving non-abortion services such as contraception, cancer screenings, and pregnancy testing—but could have sweeping implications for Medicaid patients nationwide.
Why It Matters
Although federal law prohibits public health funds from being used for abortions, many low-income patients rely on Planned Parenthood for other essential health services, particularly in areas where it's difficult to find providers who accept Medicaid.
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What to Know
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, a Republican, moved to cut off the organization's funding in 2018, arguing that no taxpayer dollars should go to Planned Parenthood. That action was initially blocked by a lawsuit from Julie Edwards, a patient who relies on the clinic for birth control due to a high-risk medical condition.
The case also tested whether Medicaid patients have the legal right to sue over the choice of providers. While public health groups such as the American Cancer Society argued in court that lawsuits are often the only tool Medicaid recipients have to enforce their rights, South Carolina contended that patients should not be allowed to file such suits. The court's decision siding with the state could restrict patients' ability to challenge funding decisions, particularly in rural areas with limited access to care.
Though Planned Parenthood receives only $90,000 annually in Medicaid funds from South Carolina—a small fraction of the state's total Medicaid budget—the ruling arrives as Congress considers a Trump-backed federal budget that would eliminate Medicaid funding to the group entirely. According to the organization, such cuts could force the closure of roughly 200 clinics, many in states where abortion remains legal. South Carolina currently bans abortion at around six weeks of pregnancy, following the Supreme Court's 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
What People Are Saying
Paige Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, said in a statement sent to Newsweek via email, "Today's decision is a grave injustice that strikes at the very bedrock of American freedom and promises to send South Carolina deeper into a health care crisis. Twice, justices of this Court denied to even hear this case because Gov. McMaster's intent is clear: weaponize anti-abortion sentiment to deprive communities with low incomes of basic health care."
The statement continued, "Planned Parenthood South Atlantic will continue to operate and offer care in South Carolina, including for people enrolled in Medicaid. To our patients, we will do everything in our power to ensure you can get the care you need at low or no cost to you. Know that we are still here for you, and we will never stop fighting for you to reclaim the rights and dignity you deserve."
McMaster posted his statement after the ruling on X, formerly Twitter, "Seven years ago, we took a stand to protect the sanctity of life and defend South Carolina's authority and values – and today, we are finally victorious. The legality of my executive order prohibiting taxpayer dollars from being used to fund abortion providers like Planned Parenthood has been affirmed by the highest court in the land."
**Democratic Governor Ned Lamont of Connecticut posted on X, "**Let me be clear: This will not happen in Connecticut. While this is yet another attack on reproductive health, we're not turning our backs on the people who count on Planned Parenthood for care. We'll keep funding it here, because health care is a human right."
What Happens Next
The Supreme Court is set to release the final decisions of its current term on Friday, Chief Justice John Roberts announced from the bench Thursday. Among the six remaining cases is a high-stakes challenge over whether President Donald Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship can be implemented nationwide.
Other closely watched rulings include a dispute involving Maryland parents seeking to exempt their children from school lessons featuring LGBTQ storybooks due to religious objections, and a redistricting battle over the creation of a second majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana.
Update: 6/26/25, 11:29 a.m. ET: This article was updated with new information.
Update: 6/26/25, 11:50 a.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
Update: 6/26/25, 12:23 p.m. ET: This article was updated with new information and remarks.
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