South Carolina’s 2018 decision to cut off state funding for Planned Parenthood’s health services because it offers abortions is going to be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Since the state made the 2018 decision, which followed a 2017 directive by S.C. Gov. Henry McMaster, federal courts have consistently sided with the organization. For example, a federal appeals court on three occasions decided that Medicaid patients could use Planned Parenthood for services like birth control, cancer screenings and tests for sexually-transmitted diseases. In South Carolina, state law already bans Medicaid from being used to pay for abortions.
“This case is politics at its worst: Anti-abortion politicians using their power to target Planned Parenthood and block people who use Medicaid as their primary form of insurance from getting essential health care like cancer screenings and birth control,” according to a statement by Planned Parenthood South Atlantic President Jenny Black.
Lawyers for the state say taxpayer dollars shouldn’t be used for organizations that provide abortions, which in South Carolina are not allowed after six weeks with a few exceptions.
In other headlines:
CP NEWS: Longstanding King Street restaurant Barsa to close. Popular, longstime King Street tapas restaurant Barsa Tapas and Lounge today announced it will close after service on Dec. 21.
- CP NEWS: Combination dog park, bar opens in North Charleston. Should this new dog park and bar just be called a “b-ark?”
Charleston police work to reduce road rage incidents. CPD says high-traffic areas like West Ashley and downtown Charleston are the hotspots for road rage incidents.
Lowcountry parents question schedule changes. A proposal would change start times at several Charleston elementary schools, and parents are asking why the move is necessary.
Pilkey, a leader in the fight to save threatened beaches, dies at 90.
Pilkey, a Duke University professor and former S.C. environmental official who was instrumental in protecting beaches from condos, sea walls and other threats, died on Friday at his home in Durham, N.C.
S.C. Ports handling more cargo in 2024. CEO Barbara Melvin said the resolution of labor issues at the Leatherman Terminal and a growing customer base have led to the growth.
National shutdown looms as Trump urges GOP to kill spending deal. Republican support for an emergency spending authorization to prevent a government shutdown has collapsed after President-elect Donald Trump denounced the bipartisan agreement. He says he wants less spending and an increase in the debt ceiling while Joe Biden is still president.
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