Thanks to the United States Supreme Court’s unprecedented decision in June Medical v. Russo, South Carolina’s reproductive health landscape may soon shift dramatically. Instead, they’ve enabled their state to defund Planned Parenthood. This ruling, announced by Chief Justice John Roberts on Thursday, permits South Carolina to block clinics that provide abortions from receiving Medicaid reimbursements, a decision that may reverberate across similar red states nationwide.
The case is Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. It focusses on an executive order that South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued in 2018. The order would have prohibited Medicaid dollars from flowing to any clinic that provided an abortion, including through referrals. Advocates say this dangerous maneuver would put crucial health services out of reach for many of the remaining residents. Planned Parenthood serves more than 2.4 million people each year, with almost half depending on Medicaid for their reproductive care.
As the Supreme Court prepares to issue its final opinions of the term on Friday, this ruling raises concerns among liberal justices and health advocates. South Carolina’s law seeks to outlaw abortions after six weeks of gestation. This decision represents more than just a funding dispute; it may effectively cut off access to crucial healthcare services for everyone who depends on Medicaid.
Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first of the dissenting justices, signaled her deep concern over the majority ruling.
“Today’s decision is likely to result in tangible harm to real people,” – Ketanji Brown Jackson
She was careful to explain what cuts would mean for South Carolinians who rely on Medicaid.
“At a minimum, it will deprive Medicaid recipients in South Carolina of their only meaningful way of enforcing a right that Congress has expressly granted to them. And, more concretely, it will strip those South Carolinians—and countless other Medicaid recipients around the country—of a deeply personal freedom: the ‘ability to decide who treats us at our most vulnerable’.” – Ketanji Brown Jackson
The Supreme Court’s decision arrives during a historic moment for women’s rights, reproductive rights and healthcare access in America. The court’s ruling to permit South Carolina to move forward with its executive order could embolden other states to do the same. They will likely make moves that result in defunding entities such as Planned Parenthood.
In response to criticism, Governor McMaster has stood by his administration’s position, insisting that taxpayer dollars should not be used to support abortion services.
“Payment of taxpayer funds to abortion clinics, for any purpose, results in the subsidy of abortion and the denial of the right to life,” – Henry McMaster
States are still trying to figure out what this ruling means. At the same time, Planned Parenthood supporters are cautioning that this funding cut would have dire public health consequences. The organization provides a range of services beyond abortion, including cancer screenings, contraceptive services, and general healthcare for low-income individuals.
The Supreme Court’s ruling comes in the midst of upped, politically-charged rhetoric of similar nature in regard to other spotlighted cases this term. A couple of other important cases handled LGBTQ rights and congressional districting. These points are further exacerbating the chasm in our legal environment.
Chief Justice Roberts echoed the magnitude of these decisions in this morning’s courtroom announcement.
“Six cases remain to be decided, including whether Donald Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship can take effect anywhere in the United States.” – No specific person
As the country waits to hear the court’s final opinions, the responses from political leaders illustrate the emerging chasm. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker reacted strongly against the deregulatory moves initiated by then-President Trump himself and his impact on current policy.
“Donald Trump’s made clear he’ll stop at nothing to get his way. I’m not about to stand by and let him tear down all we’re building in Illinois.” – JB Pritzker