In South Carolina, only two Planned Parenthood clinics exist, but they provide essential medical services to hundreds of low-income individuals annually. These services include contraception, cancer screenings, and pregnancy tests. While often associated with the abortion debate, Planned Parenthood facilities across the United States offer a range of healthcare services. In South Carolina, Medicaid patients frequently turn to Planned Parenthood as it is challenging to find doctors who accept Medicaid, the public insurance.
A significant Supreme Court case from South Carolina, slated for discussion on Wednesday, might disrupt this healthcare option. The Republican governor of South Carolina, Henry McMaster, aims to prevent Planned Parenthood from receiving public healthcare funds. Currently, federal law restricts Medicaid funds from financing abortions with very few exceptions, and South Carolina has banned most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy.
Katherine Farris, Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, emphasizes that the case concerns general healthcare, not abortion. However, leaders in conservative states often argue that public funds should not go to any organization involved in abortion services. If South Carolina wins, other states may follow suit, potentially cutting Medicaid funding from Planned Parenthood.
Governor McMaster stated that state residents do not wish for their tax money to support Planned Parenthood. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is backing South Carolina’s efforts, aligning with the broader campaign to cut Planned Parenthood’s funding by abortion critics. The case’s legal focus is whether Medicaid recipients can sue to ensure their right to choose qualified healthcare providers.
Organizations, including the American Cancer Society, assert that lawsuits are crucial for patients to uphold these rights. Losing the ability to go to court would impair healthcare access, especially in rural locales. Julian Polaris, a lawyer with expertise in Medicaid programs, noted that states could restrict access to gender-affirming care if the court supports South Carolina.
Heidi Allen, an associate professor at Columbia University, highlighted that 20% of American women of reproductive age are part of the Medicaid program, underscoring the importance of finding family planning services. The potential elimination of specific providers, like Planned Parenthood, due to political reasons raises concerns.
This legal battle dates back to 2018 when McMaster first aimed to defund Planned Parenthood as part of a campaign promise. His executive order to remove Planned Parenthood from a list of providers for services such as birth control was initially blocked. Yet, similar policies have succeeded in Texas and Missouri, according to John Bursch from the conservative Alliance Defending Freedom. Bursch framed the discussion as whether states should have the autonomy to direct Medicaid funds to aid low-income families best.
He noted that a South Carolina victory might limit further Medicaid lawsuits and suggested administrative procedures exist for appeals. He assured that patient access to care would continue, as Medicaid patients could choose from 200 other publicly funded health clinics if Planned Parenthood funding is halted.
Annually, Planned Parenthood in South Carolina receives $90,000 from Medicaid, a negligible portion of the state’s Medicaid budget. Amalia Luxardo, CEO of the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network in South Carolina, pointed out the shortage of primary care providers and OB-GYNs in many counties. This shortage forces women to travel significant distances for care. Planned Parenthood’s accommodating hours and swift appointments draw patients from across the state.
Luxardo warns of an escalating healthcare crisis if rulings like these negatively impact constituents, arguing that the situation could worsen. Her organization has filed court briefs supporting Planned Parenthood, underlining the crucial role these clinics play in public health.