COLUMBIA, S.C. (WPDE) — The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in a pivotal case that could determine whether South Carolina can defund Planned Parenthood by blocking Medicaid recipients from accessing its services.

The case, Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, was filed in March 2024 and challenges the state's efforts to prevent Medicaid recipients from receiving health care at Planned Parenthood clinics.

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Gov. Henry McMaster initiated steps to cut funding to Planned Parenthood in 2018, aligning with other Republican leaders who oppose public healthcare dollars going to the organization due to its provision of abortions.

However, federal law already prohibits Medicaid funds from being used for abortions. South Carolina currently bans abortions around six weeks from conception, with few exceptions.

"There’s plenty of good organizations that provide maternal health advice, counseling, and care and we need more of those. But I’m confident that over the years, people in this state don’t want their money to go towards abortions," Gov. McMaster stated.

Planned Parenthood South Atlantic's Interim President and CEO, Paige Johnson, responded with a statement to ABC15.

"If Governor McMaster is successful in blocking people with Medicaid coverage from being able to go to Planned Parenthood for reproductive health care, people who are struggling to make ends meet will pay the price. Our health centers serve an irreplaceable role in the state’s health care system, providing birth control and cancer screenings to people who can’t afford those services anywhere else."

The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications, potentially allowing states nationwide to block patient access to Planned Parenthood.

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States such as Texas, Mississippi, Missouri, and Arkansas have already taken steps to block Medicaid funding from the organization, and more could follow if South Carolina succeeds.

The Supreme Court's decision may also address whether Medicaid patients can sue over not being able to choose their own provider.