A case now before the U.S. Supreme Court could reshape the legal landscape for pro-life states and determine whether taxpayer dollars can be used to support abortion providers against the will of the people.
Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic asks a foundational question: Do states have the authority to disqualify abortion providers from Medicaid participation—or must they fund them anyway, as long as they meet federal “qualifications”?
Background: A State Takes a Stand
In 2018, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued an executive order directing the state’s Medicaid agency to terminate contracts with abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood. The policy was clear and courageous: South Carolina would not subsidize organizations that perform abortions.
Planned Parenthood sued, claiming that the executive order violated a federal Medicaid rule known as the “free-choice-of-provider” provision. This rule generally allows Medicaid recipients to receive care from any provider who is “qualified to perform the service.”
But South Carolina argues that states must retain the right to determine who is “qualified” under their own criteria—especially when public funds and deeply held moral principles are at stake.
Life Legal Defense Foundation submitted an amicus brief in the case, strongly supporting South Carolina’s right to redirect Medicaid funding.
Our position is simple: States must have the freedom to disqualify abortion providers from publicly funded healthcare programs.
The pro-life movement has worked tirelessly to stop the flow of taxpayer dollars to the abortion industry. A ruling in Planned Parenthood’s favor would not only undo that progress—it would set a dangerous precedent that empowers abortion providers to override state sovereignty and conscience protections.
If the Supreme Court sides with Planned Parenthood, pro-life states could be forced to fund abortion providers, even when doing so violates their laws and values. If the Court affirms South Carolina’s authority, it will mark a critical victory for state-led pro-life policymaking. The justices were divided during oral arguments in April. A ruling is expected by late June 2025.
We urge all supporters of life to take action now:
- Pray for a just and courageous ruling that protects the unborn and affirms states’ rights.
- Share this article to raise awareness about the case.
- Support our work so we can continue defending life in the courts and in public policy.
Stay tuned—we will provide updates as soon as the Supreme Court announces its decision.