WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the U.S. Supreme Court issuing a 6-3 ruling in Medina v. Planned Parenthood. Because of the decision, South Carolina and other states can stop abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, from being funded by Medicaid.
In February, Graham led an amicus curiae – or friend of the court – brief along with U.S. Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) and U.S. Representative Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina) in support of South Carolina’s determination that Planned Parenthood does not qualify to receive Medicaid funding.
“This is one of the most consequential rulings in the history of the Supreme Court for the pro-life movement, reaffirming states’ ability to protect the unborn. I led the amicus briefs to the Court in partnership with Senator Scott and Congressman Norman throughout the entire process in support of South Carolina’s law that prohibited Medicaid funds from being used by Planned Parenthood.
“South Carolina’s decision to deny Planned Parenthood the ability to receive Medicaid funding was the right decision for the taxpayer and the pro-life movement.
“I am so proud of Governor McMaster and our state legislature for leading on this issue, taking a stand for the unborn and having their efforts ratified by the Supreme Court of the United States. Well done to everyone involved.”
Background:
Under federal law and guidance, states administer Medicaid plans, including deciding which medical providers qualify to receive payments for certain services. In 2018, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster ordered the state’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to disqualify abortion clinics from receiving Medicaid funding. Over the course of three years, Planned Parenthood received over $1.5 billion in state Medicaid reimbursements nationwide, which is one of their largest funding sources.
Following South Carolina’s determination, Planned Parenthood and one of its clients sued the DHHS Director in federal court, claiming a right to force DHHS to reverse that decision.
Graham led amicus briefs with Scott and Norman in support of South Carolina throughout the entire process.