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How the Supreme Court Could Gut Planned Parenthood
Apr 2, 2025
Ian Millhiser, a senior correspondent at Vox with a focus on courts and law, dives into the Supreme Court's consideration of Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood in South Carolina. He discusses the surprising journey this case took to reach the highest court despite legal precedents against defunding. The conversation touches on political influences affecting judicial decisions, the implications for healthcare access, and patients’ rights in the context of significant state actions. Millhiser unpacks the complexities of this legal battle and what it means for abortion rights.
31:49
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Quick takeaways
- The Supreme Court case will assess whether South Carolina can redefine 'qualified' healthcare providers against established federal law and protections.
- Cutting funding to Planned Parenthood could severely limit women’s access to essential healthcare services, demonstrating the risk of politically driven decisions.
Deep dives
The Legality of Medicaid Funding Restrictions
Federal law guarantees Medicaid recipients the right to choose their own healthcare providers, yet South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster has attempted to block funding to Planned Parenthood by claiming they are 'unqualified' because of their abortion services. Despite ongoing court battles, including multiple rulings from the Fourth Circuit that reaffirm this right, the state continues to pursue this funding ban. The Supreme Court is set to hear a case that questions South Carolina's approach and whether the state can redefine what 'qualified' means against established federal law. These proceedings highlight the tension between state actions and federal protections regarding Medicaid funding.
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