COLUMBIA S.C. (WSPA) — The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with South Carolina in a long-running battle over Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood. They ruled in a 6-3 decision that people who are enrolled in Medicaid cannot use that coverage at Planned Parenthood in South Carolina, even if it’s not used to get an abortion.

“What it does mean is that our patients will no longer be able to come to us for their annual well woman exams, Pap smears, breast exams,” said Vicki Ringer from Planned Parenthood South Atlantic.

This goes back to a 2018 order from Governor Henry McMaster, who directed state agencies to remove clinics from the state’s Medicaid provider list.

Planned Parenthood sued the state and said that under federal law, Medicaid recipients have a right to choose any qualified provider. But the Higher Court disagreed and said that federal law doesn’t give patients the right to sue over provider access.

“Is not about health care but is about abandoning South Carolinians. This will be an equity disaster in South Carolina,” said Senator Tameika Isaac Devine (D – Richland).

Governor McMaster said, “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.”

Justin Hall from Palmetto Family Council added, “to get a decision like this, I believe it’s well within the constitutional vein to rule this way. I thought the six justices articulated their point…. It’s a good victory again. Ultimately, these are all incremental victories that get accomplished.”

Planned Parenthood said as of now, there is no date set in stone as to when this is going into effect.
Planned parenthood added they expect this to happen soon in many other states.