Early Monday, the Supreme Court rebuffed efforts by Louisiana and several other states to block Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood.
Instead, it chose to leave in place two rulings by lower courts that states are violating federal law when they chose to terminate Medicaid contracts with Planned Parenthood and affiliate providers offering preventive care to low-income women.
In order to hear the case, four justices needed to agree to hear the issue. Only Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Samuel Alito voted to hear the case. Newly appointed Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined Cheif Justice Roberts in siding with the more liberal side of the court in voting not to hear the case.
The case addresses whether or not states can block Medicaid funds from medical providers that offer women with contraceptive care, cancer screenings, and health screenings – even when those offices also offer access to abortion. It is not about abortion rights.
Louisiana and Kansas both had moved to end Medicaid contracts with Planned Parenthood affiliates after anti-abortion group, Center for Medical Progress, posted heavily edited videos they claimed showed Planned Parenthood officials discussing fetal tissue and the price of fetal tissue. Planned Parenthood later filed a lawsuit against the corporation.
Jenn Bentley is a writer and editor originally from Cadiz, Kentucky. Her writing has been featured in publications such as The Examiner, The High Tech Society, FansShare, Yahoo News, and others. When she’s not writing or editing, Jenn spends her time raising money for Extra Life and advocating for autism awareness.
