Supreme Court Decision on Planned Parenthood and Medicaid

The Supreme Court dismissed a bid from Planned Parenthood on Thursday aimed at preventing its exclusion from South Carolina’s Medicaid program.

In a 6-3 ruling, the Court determined that Planned Parenthood lacks the standing to initiate a private lawsuit against the state’s decision. This verdict could pave the way for other states to cease funding for Planned Parenthood through Medicaid.

South Carolina had removed Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program in 2018, arguing that abortion providers were not adhering to the Medicaid Act’s requirement for free choice of providers. The state maintained that it had no obligation to entertain the lawsuit brought forth by Planned Parenthood.

Judge Neil Gorsuch, writing for the majority, noted, “While individual cases under §1983 can affirm the rights of plaintiffs and encourage the state to meet its obligations, private enforcement can sometimes be counterproductive to the public interest. It demands governmental resources to navigate legal disputes, and weighing these costs and benefits falls into the realm of public policy.”

In her dissent, joined by Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed concerns that the ruling “is likely to lead to real harm for individuals.” She stated, “Ultimately, this decision undermines a significant way Congress aimed to empower the rights it formally established, stripping South Carolinians, alongside many other Medicaid beneficiaries nationwide, of essential personal freedoms.”

Katie Daniel, a legal and policy advisor with Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, claimed that Planned Parenthood’s disqualification was the right choice. “By blocking the lawsuit from Planned Parenthood, the courts contribute not only to saving unborn lives but also to protecting mothers from unsafe practices. This decision helps shield Medicaid from being at risk from unqualified providers,” she remarked. “Our Republican leaders are making strides in cutting down government waste and focusing on ensuring Medicaid serves women, children, the underprivileged, and those with disabilities.”

This is a developing news story and will be revised as new information emerges.