US Supreme Court to hear arguments Wednesday about taxpayer funding of abortion facilities

WHO:  ADF Senior Counsel John Bursch, vice president of appellate advocacy; South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster

WHAT:  Press conference following oral arguments in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic

WHEN:  Immediately following oral arguments, which begin at 10 a.m. EDT, Wed., April 2

WHERE:  Outside U.S. Supreme Court, 1 First St. NE, Washington. To schedule an interview, contact ADF Director of Media Engagement AnnMarie Pariseau at (480) 417-3975.

WASHINGTON – Alliance Defending Freedom Senior Counsel and Vice President of Appellate Advocacy John Bursch, who will argue before the U.S. Supreme Court Wednesday on behalf of South Carolina in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster will speak at a press conference outside the court immediately following the arguments.

ADF attorneys represent the director of the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services in a case that could free states to direct Medicaid funding—funds intended to help low-income individuals obtain necessary medical assistance—away from abortion giants like Planned Parenthood.

“Taxpayer dollars should never be used to fund facilities that profit off abortion and distribute dangerous gender-transition drugs to minors,” Bursch said. “State officials should be free to determine that Planned Parenthood—a multi-billion-dollar activist organization—is not a real healthcare provider and is not qualified to receive taxpayer funding through Medicaid.”

“Congress didn’t intend to allow Medicaid recipients to drag states into federal court to challenge those decisions—nor did Congress intend for federal courts to second-guess states’ decisions about which providers are qualified to receive Medicaid funding,” Bursch added. “We are urging the Supreme Court to restore the ability of states to steward limited public resources to best serve their citizens.”

The U.S. government, 18 states, numerous members of Congress, various medical practitioners in South Carolina, and multiple pro-life advocates submitted friend-of-the-court briefs with the high court supporting South Carolina’s freedom to divert Medicaid funding away from abortion facilities like Planned Parenthood and toward real, comprehensive healthcare for its citizens.

Alliance Defending Freedom is an alliance-building, non-profit legal organization committed to protecting religious freedom, free speech, parental rights, and the sanctity of life.

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