NC South Carolina Times

On February 10, Rep. Ralph Norman (SC-05), along with Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott of South Carolina, submitted an "amicus curiae" brief in the ongoing legal case Medina v. Planned Parenthood. The brief supports South Carolina's stance that Planned Parenthood should not qualify for Medicaid funding. This move is backed by 14 other senators and 76 House members.

Federal law allows states to administer Medicaid plans and decide which medical providers can receive payments for specific services. In 2018, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster instructed the state's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to disqualify abortion clinics from receiving Medicaid funding, a decision challenged by Planned Parenthood and one of its clients in federal court. They argue against DHHS's decision, leading to four appeals where similar briefs have been filed.

The current brief has support from organizations like Alliance Defending Freedom, Americans United for Life, CatholicVote, Family Research Council, Students for Life, and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.

Rep. Norman stated: "Private parties like Planned Parenthood have no right to undermine congressional intent by forcing states to say that Planned Parenthood is a qualified Medicaid provider." He emphasized South Carolina's authority in determining Medicaid healthcare provider qualifications.

Governor McMaster expressed gratitude for the congressional support: "As a pro-life state, South Carolina taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the abortion industry."

Senator Graham remarked on taxpayer concerns: "Most Americans oppose their hard-earned tax dollars being used to subsidize abortion," expressing his support for Governor McMaster’s efforts.

Senator Scott highlighted Medicaid's mission: "Using taxpayer dollars to fund abortion not only diverts resources away from Medicaid’s mission but undermines the intent of both the law and the program itself."