In a landmark ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court has thrown its weight behind states’ rights, allowing South Carolina to block Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood.
See the tweet below!
In a decisive 6-3 vote on June 26, 2025, the Court’s conservative leaders affirmed that neither healthcare providers nor patients can contest state decisions in this arena.
This judgment could embolden other states to follow suit, reshaping the landscape of Medicaid funding.
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a significant shift in how states can handle Medicaid funds.
This ruling arises from South Carolina’s decision to exclude Planned Parenthood from their Medicaid programs, a move that stops Medicaid patients from suing states over their choice of healthcare provider.
Conservatives have long sought to defund Planned Parenthood, a provider notorious for its involvement in abortion services, despite also offering various eligible health services.
The Court’s majority, led by Justice Neil Gorsuch, clarified that Section 1983 permits private lawsuits only in rare situations where a statute explicitly offers an individual right.
“Section 1983 permits private plaintiffs to sue for violations of federal spending-power statutes only in ‘atypical’ situations … where the provision in question ‘clear[ly]’ and ‘unambiguous[ly]’ confers an individual ‘right,’” Gorsuch stated.
This viewpoint emphasizes that the decision to enforce new rights is a matter for elected officials, not the courts.
Conversely, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed concern for Medicaid recipients, asserting the ruling undermines their rights.
She dissented, arguing, “Today’s decision is likely to result in tangible harm to real people.”
Indeed, the decision could restrict access to healthcare, particularly in rural areas where options are already scant.
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals had previously sided with Planned Parenthood, allowing patients to sue for their right to choose a provider, a decision now overturned by the Supreme Court.
Conservative states may now redirect Medicaid funds toward more “comprehensive health care” for low-income patients, as argued by proponents of the ruling.
South Carolina, for instance, maintains that Medicaid patients have numerous other health provider options, though healthcare groups argue many counties lack adequate services.
Governor Henry McMaster hailed the decision as a victory, stating, “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.”
BREAKING: The Supreme Court has decided 6-3 in Medina v. Planned Parenthood that states have the authority to remove abortion funding from Medicaid. The legality of abortion does not obligate taxpayers to finance it. pic.twitter.com/afFZUI4qdV
— 🇺🇸Lionel🇺🇸 (@LionelMedia) June 26, 2025
According to critics, the repercussions of this decision could potentially lead to a reduction of healthcare networks for low-income Americans.
With Planned Parenthood potentially having to cut services due to lost Medicaid reimbursements, millions could be affected.
The Biden administration opposed this ruling, supporting the right to sue, whereas anti-abortion groups with the Trump administration’s backing have pushed for a nationwide exclusion of Planned Parenthood from Medicaid participation.
Moving forward, this sets a precedent for state-level action against federally backed funding structures.
