The Supreme Court is weighing a major case about whether states can block taxpayer money from going to Planned Parenthood. South Carolina wants to kick the abortion provider out of its Medicaid program over claims that funding any of its services indirectly supports abortions. This comes after a years-long legal fight started by Republican Governor Henry McMaster, who argues states should control where Medicaid dollars flow.
Pro-life leaders say Planned Parenthood doesn’t deserve public funds since abortion makes up most of its work. Even though federal law already bans Medicaid from paying for abortions, South Carolina claims giving money to Planned Parenthood for other health services frees up its own funds to push abortion. John Bursch, a lawyer for the state, told the Court that South Carolina has “better options” for patients, like over 140 clinics and pregnancy centers that don’t perform abortions.
Planned Parenthood insists it’s about healthcare access, but conservatives aren’t buying it. The Alliance Defending Freedom, representing South Carolina, slammed Planned Parenthood as an “abortion giant” pushing political agendas instead of real care. They’ve pointed to reports of botched abortions and dangerous practices at its clinics. Protesters outside the Court sang hymns and held signs backing the state’s right to choose “life over harm.”
This case isn’t just about South Carolina. If the Court sides with the state, it could let other conservative states strip Planned Parenthood’s Medicaid funds too. That’s exactly what groups like Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 want—guidance letting states defund clinics tied to abortion. Sarah Parshall Perry from Heritage said states must protect taxpayers from funding “activist organizations” that don’t align with public values.
Medicaid exists to help low-income families, but South Carolina argues patients can get the same services elsewhere. The state’s lawyers say letting courts force funding on Planned Parenthood would ignore states’ rights to set healthcare priorities. Why should tax dollars flow to a group that spends millions on lobbying and abortions instead of full-service care?
Planned Parenthood claims this hurts vulnerable women, but South Carolina’s leaders say they’re putting patients first. With abortion banned after six weeks in the state, officials want Medicaid funds going to providers focused on comprehensive health—not clinics pushing controversial procedures. Governor McMaster’s team says real healthcare supports life, not ends it.
The Supreme Court’s decision, expected by June, could reshape Medicaid rules nationwide. A win for South Carolina would be a win for life, letting states redirect funds to pro-family clinics. Taxpayers shouldn’t foot the bill for groups that don’t share their values. This case is about protecting the unborn and respecting states’ freedom to spend wisely.
Conservatives see this as a critical moment to defend moral governance. Letting states choose where Medicaid money goes ensures funds support life-affirming care. Planned Parenthood’s declining trust and rising scandals show why alternatives are needed. The Court has a chance to stand with families, not abortion politics.
