4/1/2025
One thing you can do today... Support Local Healthcare Access like Planned Parenthood or alternative clinics that align with your values in your community.
Source: AP News
What Happened
The Supreme Court is hearing a case from South Carolina that could allow states to block public healthcare funds from going to Planned Parenthood, even for non-abortion services like contraception, cancer screenings, and pregnancy testing. The case stems from South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster’s 2018 decision to remove Planned Parenthood from Medicaid funding. While federal law already prohibits Medicaid money from paying for abortions, the case centers on whether Medicaid patients can sue to choose their healthcare providers.
Why It Matters
This case could set a precedent for other states to cut Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, potentially reducing healthcare access for low-income patients. It could also limit Medicaid patients’ ability to sue for their right to choose their providers, affecting access to various medical services beyond reproductive healthcare.
Who It Affects
- Low-income individuals who rely on Medicaid for healthcare services.
- Women and reproductive-age individuals who are looking for general care, or need birth control, cancer screenings, and pregnancy-related care.
- Patients in rural areas where healthcare options are already limited.
- State Medicaid programs, which may gain more power to restrict provider access.
Why Your Voice Matters
Public opinion and advocacy have historically influenced healthcare policy. If this case affects access to care, citizen action can shape legislative responses, funding decisions, and future legal battles.
Why You Should Care
- Healthcare access: Many rely on Planned Parenthood for basic health services.
- Legal rights: The case could limit the ability of Medicaid patients to challenge provider restrictions.
- Precedent: A ruling in favor of South Carolina could encourage other states to follow suit.
What You Can Do
If You Support South Carolina’s Effort to Defund Planned Parenthood
- Contact your state legislators and Congressional representatives to express support for state control over Medicaid funding.
- Donate to organizations like Alliance Defending Freedom, which supports restricting public funds for Planned Parenthood.
- Support alternative women’s health clinics through donations or volunteer work. You can find federally qualified health centers through the Health Resources and Services Administration.
- Volunteer at or donate to local women’s health clinics that do not provide abortion services but still offer reproductive care, like crisis pregnancy centers or faith-based clinics. You can find them through directories like Option Line or local church networks.
If You Oppose the Effort to Defund Planned Parenthood
- Volunteer at a local Planned Parenthood or other reproductive health clinic to help with patient advocacy, outreach, or educational programs.
- Contact your state and federal representatives to advocate for continued Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood.
- Donate to organizations supporting reproductive rights, such as Planned Parenthood and the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project.
- Raise awareness by sharing information about Medicaid’s role in providing healthcare access.
- Support legal efforts to protect Medicaid patients' right to choose providers through groups like the National Health Law Program.