WASHINGTON (TNND) — The Supreme Court heard arguments Wednesday in a case that could significantly impact Planned Parenthood and its funding. The justices are considering whether patients can sue states that completely cut off Medicaid funding to the provider.

The case originates from South Carolina, where the state halted all Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood. The case brought out crowds of pro-choice and pro-life protestors to the steps of the high court.

"It’s about healthcare for women, healthcare for men who get STD healthcare, it’s about us taking care of our population," said Robin Galbraith, a Planned Parenthood supporter.

Felipe Avila from the National Association of Pro-Life Nurses argued any funding going towards Planned Parenthood benefits abortion, even if the money isn't directly used for it.

This case isn’t about abortion or politics at all, this is about the standard of care and the fact that Planned Parenthood and the abortion lobby are trying to force unwilling taxpayers into funding their bottom line, which is abortion," he said.

Federal law generally prohibits using Medicaid funds for abortions, but South Carolina's decision disqualified Planned Parenthood from receiving any Medicaid funds and took them off an approved list of providers. A patient has sued for the right to choose her own doctor through Medicaid, rather than being restricted to a state-approved list.

There has never been an argument through the long history of this litigation that Planned Parenthood is unqualified medically, professionally unqualified. It is only that there is something Planned Parenthood is doing outside of Medicaid that the state wants to disqualify it from the program," Nicole Saharsky, an attorney for Planned Parenthood, told the justices.

John Bursch, representing South Carolina's Health and Human Services Director, argued the state's approved list was not different than a private insurer having approved in-network doctors.

"The state decides who the providers are who are qualified and you get to choose among them. And they decided Planned Parenthood was unqualified, for many reasons, chiefly because they’re the nation’s largest abortion provider," Bursch said during the oral arguments.

A ruling in favor of South Carolina could set a precedent for other states to similarly restrict Planned Parenthood's funding. While the justices focused on Medicaid provisions, the potential implications for abortion access are significant.

Pro-life groups hope for a ruling that could diminish or end Planned Parenthood's operations, while supporters of reproductive health services warn it could further restrict access to care. A ruling could come during the summer.