States Can Defund Abortion Providers: Medina v. Planned Parenthood SouthAtlantic

In a 6–3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that South Carolina may block Medicaid funding from going to Planned Parenthood, handing pro-life advocates a significant legal and moral victory. The case, Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, centered on whether individual Medicaid patients have a private right to sue states under federal law to demand access to specific providers, including abortion-affiliated clinics. The Court rightly found that the Medicaid Act does not clearly grant such a right, placing this authority where it belongs: with elected lawmakers, not activist judges.

While Planned Parenthood framed the dispute as a fight over access to “general healthcare,” the reality is clearer: South Carolina acted to prevent taxpayer dollars from subsidizing an organization that is the nation’s largest abortion provider. Federal law already prohibits Medicaid funds from directly funding abortions, but as South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster recognized, money is fungible—and every dollar redirected weakens the abortion industry’s infrastructure.

This ruling reaffirms that states have both the moral and constitutional authority to set healthcare priorities that reflect the values of their citizens. Christians should celebrate this step toward protecting life and applaud the Court for respecting the limits of judicial power. As we continue to advance a culture of life, we remain committed to ensuring that public funds support truly life-affirming care—care that respects the dignity of every person, born and unborn.

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About Citizens Defending Freedom

Founded in 2021, Citizens Defending Freedom is a non-profit organization that strategically

operates in states across America to help citizens defend their faith and freedom, all while

fighting for transparency in local government. Currently, Citizens Defending Freedom is

established in Florida, Georgia, Michigan, and Texas, with plans to continue expanding across America. Click here to learn more about Citizens Defending Freedom.

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Faith must never be silent. Truth must never be sidelined.