WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday over the legality of a 2018 South Carolina order that barred Planned Parenthood clinics that provide abortion services from receiving Medicaid funds.
Supporters of Planned Parenthood say it is essential to women’s healthcare.
“It is not for the government to tell us who should be our healthcare provider,” Planned Parenthood advocate Kate Gurtner said. “What healthcare services we should get.”
Those in favor of blocking the funds say Planned Parenthood should not be allowed to receive tax dollars if it funds abortion.
“Americans should not be force to fund activist organizations like Planned Parenthood,” attorney Gabriella McIntyre said.
Advocates point out only a small percentage of Planned Parenthood funding goes toward abortions.
“Sexually transmitted diseases treatment, cancer screenings, other things need to go forward,” Planned Parenthood advocate Anna Weinstein said.
Federal law bans most tax dollar funding for abortions, but South Carolina argues, the money is indirectly used on it.
“Even if it’s earmarked for something other than abortion, it’s going to free up more money for Planned Parenthood and other abortion facilities in the state to use their money to perform abortions,” McIntyre said.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster blocked the funding in 2018, and attended the oral arguments in Washington.
“Who has to pay for it?” McMaster said. “Those people who do not want to pay for it, for this particular thing should not have to.”
A ruling in South Carolina’s favor would likely result in more states barring funding from Planned Parenthood.
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