Washington, D.C. – Earlier this week, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05), along with Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, led a coalition of Republican lawmakers in filing an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in the case of Medina v. Planned Parenthood. The brief supports South Carolina’s decision to block Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood.
Joined by 14 Senators and 76 House members, the lawmakers argue that South Carolina has the right to determine Medicaid provider qualifications. In 2018, Governor Henry McMaster directed the state’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to disqualify abortion clinics from receiving Medicaid reimbursements. Planned Parenthood sued, leading to multiple appeals, with this latest brief continuing the legal fight.
Supporters of the brief include organizations such as Alliance Defending Freedom, Family Research Council, and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.
Statements from Lawmakers
Rep. Norman emphasized that Planned Parenthood has “no right to undermine congressional intent” by forcing states to recognize it as a Medicaid provider.
Gov. McMaster stated, “South Carolina taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the abortion industry.”
Sen. Graham argued that taxpayer dollars should not fund abortion services, while Sen. Scott added that Medicaid should focus on providing healthcare to underserved communities, not funding abortion providers.
The case continues to be a focal point in the national debate over Medicaid funding and abortion rights.
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