States Want to Cut Planned Parenthood from Medicaid—Here’s Why That’s a Huge Deal
In yet another attack on reproductive healthcare, 93 Republican members of Congress (16 from the Senate and 77 from the House of Representatives) are trying to boot Planned Parenthood out of Medicaid. They want the Supreme Court to give states the power to block patients from getting care at Planned Parenthood just because the organization also provides abortions (with separate, non-Medicaid funds).
As a reminder, Planned Parenthood offers extensive services to patients in addition to abortions - routine exams, STD testing, and contraceptive counseling among other things.
The case, Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, is heading to the Supreme Court this spring, and if the ruling goes the wrong way, it would be a huge disaster for millions of Americans with medicaid who rely on Planned Parenthood—not just for abortion care, but for everyday health needs.
What’s Going On?
South Carolina’s Republican governor signed an order in 2018 barring abortion providers from Medicaid, claiming it “subsidizes abortion.” Planned Parenthood and a Medicaid patient fought back, arguing that Medicaid patients have the right to choose any qualified provider. A lower court agreed, but now the state is pushing the case to the Supreme Court.
Why Should You Care?
If the Supreme Court sides with South Carolina, states could have free rein to kick Planned Parenthood and other reproductive health providers out of Medicaid, which means:
Essential services Planned Parenthood offers—like UTI treatment, gender-affirming care, PrEP for HIV prevention, and pregnancy care—could also be at risk.
Difficulty accessing affordable birth control, STI testing, or cancer screenings for many low-income patients.
People in states like Texas, Missouri, and Mississippi—where options are already limited—could lose access to some of the only providers left.
It sets a dangerous precedent that lets states use political ideology to decide which healthcare providers are “qualified,” instead of, you know, actual medical qualifications.
What’s Next?
The Supreme Court will hear arguments on April 2, 2025, with a decision expected by June. If the ruling goes south, Medicaid patients in multiple states could suddenly lose access to critical healthcare services.
What Can You Do?
Get loud: A lot of people don’t realize this case isn’t just about abortion—it’s about cutting off basic healthcare. Share the facts.
Call your reps: Even if your state isn’t affected yet, these attacks on reproductive rights aren’t slowing down. Tell them you’re watching.
Support local clinics: Whether it’s Planned Parenthood or an independent provider, donations help keep doors open for those who need care.
Stay tuned: We’ll keep updating this page as things develop.
Bottom line? This isn’t about saving taxpayer money—it’s about controlling who gets access to healthcare. And we’re not here for it.
