Listen to the Replay: SCOTUS Hears Case Targeting Planned Parenthood, April 2
Case at the U.S. Supreme Court could determine whether states can block Medicaid patients from accessing basic health services at the organization’s health centers.
Millions of people across the country rely on Medicaid for health care, and many choose to get that care—including cancer screenings, annual check-ups, blood pressure screenings, STI testing and treatment, and birth control—from Planned Parenthood health centers.
On Wednesday, April 2, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case that could allow states to block patients’ access to this care.
The case represents another attempt by anti-abortion officials to defund and dismantle Planned Parenthood and its system of health centers around the country.
>> Listen to the replay on the U.S. Supreme Court’s website.
About the Case
The case, Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, involves South Carolina’s action to terminate Planned Parenthood as an eligible provider of non-abortion health services simply because Planned Parenthood also provides abortion. The case was brought by an individual patient plaintiff and Planned Parenthood South Atlantic challenging the state’s action.
The Court will determine whether the state’s Medicaid recipients have a right to sue when a state terminates their chosen provider from the Medicaid program for reasons unrelated to competence—or whether South Carolina can block people with Medicaid from going to the qualified provider of their choice for sexual and reproductive health care.
“Rally for Patients’ Rights” at the U.S. Supreme Court April 2
Organized by Planned Parenthood, the rally—being held in front of the Supreme Court during arguments in this case—will feature remarks by health care providers and advocates about how a ruling against Planned Parenthood could result in millions of people losing access to basic health care.
Date/time: Wednesday, April 2, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. ET
Location: U.S. Supreme Court, 1 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20543
Center’s Brief Urges Court to Side With Patient and Planned Parenthood
The Center for Reproductive Rights and its partners submitted an amicus brief in the case urging the Court to rule in favor of the patient plaintiff and Planned Parenthood. Such a ruling would guarantee that Medicaid beneficiaries are able to sue under the federal Medicaid Act’s free-choice-of-provider provision to choose where and from whom they receive services and access care at Planned Parenthood.
The brief also warns the Court that ruling in favor of South Carolina would cut access to health care in the state—particularly for low-income communities and communities of color, many of whom rely on both Medicaid and Planned Parenthood for a wide range of health care services. Read more about the brief here.
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