Fact Check: Court's ruling could empower more states to exclude Planned Parenthood from Medicaid.

Fact Check: Court's Ruling Could Empower More States to Exclude Planned Parenthood from Medicaid

What We Know

On June 26, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that allows states to exclude Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funds for non-abortion services. This decision was reached by a 6-3 vote, with the majority opinion authored by Justice Neil Gorsuch. The ruling is seen as part of a broader Republican initiative to defund Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the United States, and it could have significant implications for Medicaid patients seeking various health care services, including cancer screenings and contraception (AP News, NPR).

The case originated in South Carolina, where Governor Henry McMaster had previously attempted to cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood. The state argued that it had the authority to disqualify Medicaid providers for any reason allowed by state law, which the Supreme Court upheld. This ruling effectively blocks Medicaid patients from suing to ensure their right to choose their healthcare provider, as the court found that the Medicaid statute does not grant individuals the right to enforce this provision through lawsuits (NPR, Washington Post).

Analysis

The Supreme Court's decision is significant because it sets a precedent that could embolden other states to follow South Carolina's lead in excluding Planned Parenthood from Medicaid programs. The ruling suggests that states can prioritize their own policies over federal provisions that guarantee patients the right to choose their healthcare providers. Critics, including dissenting Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, argue that this ruling undermines civil rights by stripping Medicaid recipients of their ability to choose their healthcare providers, which could lead to reduced access to essential health services, particularly in rural areas (AP News, NPR).

The sources used in this analysis are credible and come from established news organizations, including the Associated Press, NPR, and the Washington Post, which have a history of reporting on legal and political issues. However, it is important to note that coverage of the ruling may reflect differing editorial perspectives, particularly regarding the implications for women's health and reproductive rights. The majority opinion emphasizes the need for elected representatives to make policy decisions rather than judges, which could be interpreted as a shift towards state-level control over healthcare funding (NPR, Politico).

Conclusion

The claim that the court's ruling could empower more states to exclude Planned Parenthood from Medicaid is True. The Supreme Court's decision effectively allows states to deny Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood, which could lead to similar actions in other states. This ruling not only affects Planned Parenthood's funding but also raises concerns about the rights of Medicaid patients to choose their healthcare providers, potentially limiting access to vital health services.

Fact Check: Court's ruling could empower more states to exclude Planned Parenthood from Medicaid.