Slate News What Next | How the Supreme Court Could Gut Planned Parenthood
Apr 2, 2025
Ian Millhiser, a Senior correspondent at Vox specializing in legal issues, dives deep into the looming Supreme Court case, Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. He discusses how the political landscape influences judicial decisions, particularly regarding Medicaid funding for essential healthcare. Millhiser highlights the far-reaching implications this case could have on abortion rights and women's health in America. With Planned Parenthood's viability at stake, the conversation tackles the intersection of law, politics, and reproductive rights, all under the Supreme Court's scrutiny.
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2018 Gubernatorial Debate
- In a 2018 South Carolina gubernatorial debate, the Democratic nominee criticized Governor McMaster's efforts to defund Planned Parenthood.
- The nominee called it a political stunt and predicted it wouldn't survive in court.
Conflict with Federal Law
- Federal law guarantees Medicaid patients the right to choose their healthcare provider.
- South Carolina Governor McMaster's executive order attempts to block Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood despite this law.
Federal Enforcement Dilemma
- The federal government can theoretically enforce Medicaid law by cutting off funding to non-compliant states.
- This action, however, would harm the very people the law intends to protect, making it a rarely used option.