Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, a case challenging South Carolina’s 2018 order to block Medicaid reimbursements to Planned Parenthood clinics.

Though federal law prohibits Medicaid from funding abortions, the state argues any support subsidizes abortion.

At issue is whether Medicaid patients can sue to enforce their right to choose providers.

Legal experts warn a ruling against Planned Parenthood could let states politically target care providers and restrict access to reproductive services. Nearly half of Planned Parenthood patients rely on Medicaid.