The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a major ruling allowing states to defund abortion providers such as Planned Parenthood. In a 6–3 decision in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, the Court affirmed that states have the authority to determine Medicaid eligibility and can redirect funds toward providers offering comprehensive healthcare services.
This decision marks a victory for South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who has long opposed using taxpayer dollars to subsidize abortion clinics. Represented by Alliance Defending Freedom and supported by 18 states and the federal government, South Carolina argued that states should be able to fund healthcare providers that offer a broad range of services without involvement in abortion.
Planned Parenthood, while a dominant player in reproductive health, has faced scrutiny for its finances and operations. Over five years, the organization reportedly received $3.2 billion in taxpayer funding, alongside hundreds of millions in private donations. Following the 2022 reversal of Roe v. Wade, Planned Parenthood’s fundraising surged, increasing its net assets to over $2.5 billion.
Despite this, critics argue that Planned Parenthood has failed to prioritize women’s health. According to The New York Times, while the organization distributed nearly $900 million to affiliates, none of it went directly to medical services. Preventative care visits reportedly dropped 31% between 2022 and 2023. Cancer screenings declined significantly: pap tests by 74% and breast exams by 72%.
The Times also reported operational concerns within the organization, citing undertrained staff, outdated equipment, and a chaotic work environment. One former employee likened the facilities to a “conveyor belt,” where mistakes in treatment and scheduling were common.
In addition to abortion services, Planned Parenthood is now the second-largest provider of gender-transition medications in the U.S., which it offers to minors. This has drawn criticism from lawmakers, especially after South Carolina moved to restrict these treatments for children.
Supporters of the Supreme Court’s decision say it reflects public sentiment opposing taxpayer funding for abortion. With this ruling, South Carolina—and other states—can now redirect Medicaid funds to healthcare providers they deem more aligned with public health priorities and community values.
