Medina v. Planned Parenthood

On behalf of a coalition of 63 local governments and local government leaders, Public Rights Project filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court. The case centers on the Medicaid Act’s provision allowing patients to choose their own qualified health care provider. 

The brief, filed on March 12, 2025, is in response to South Carolina’s attempt to remove Planned Parenthood as a Medicaid provider. Medicaid is a crucial program for people and families with low income to get the health care they need. The brief argues that removing providers from Medicaid on an ideological basis is contrary to the statute. It would also harm individuals’ well-being and burden municipal health care systems. With insufficient access to Medicaid providers, local communities will see poorer health outcomes and increased health disparities.

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, which most recently decided the case, ruled that Medicaid patients have the right to choose any qualified provider and can sue in federal court if this provision is violated. The brief asks the Supreme Court to affirm the lower court’s decision.

Update

On June 26, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Medicaid enrollees cannot sue a state that limits their ability to choose among qualified health care providers.

This decision opens the door for South Carolina and other states to cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers, even when they offer a full range of reproductive health services. Public Rights Project is disappointed in the ruling, which limits patients’ ability to choose their providers and threatens access to essential care.