Paul Lowry / Flickr
CV NEWS FEED // The New York Times’ recent report detailing detrimental effects of Planned Parenthood’s financial priorities presents a persuasive argument for states’ right to disqualify the abortion giant as a Medicaid provider, according to an Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) attorney.
“Instead of using its funds to provide vulnerable women with the ‘trusted care’ it promises, Planned Parenthood is using it to advocate for abortion,” ADF Senior Counsel Chris Schandevel wrote March 11. “Both patients and employees have suffered because of this decision.”
The Feb. 15 Times article by Katie Benner spotlighted that of the $498 million donated to Planned Parenthood Federation of America in the year after Roe was overturned, most of it was directed toward pro-abortion political efforts. According to the article, a number of Planned Parenthood state affiliates have struggled in recent years due to fiscal challenges.
Schandevel emphasized “that Planned Parenthood’s primary goal is to maintain its position as America’s number-one abortion provider,” which is especially evident from the number of abortions it has committed in comparison to the number of prenatal services and other help it provides.
According to Schandevel, the pro-life Charlotte Lozier Institute reviewed Planned Parenthood’s 2022-2023 annual report and found that abortions accounted for 97.1% of the organization’s “pregnancy resolution services.” Prenatal services, miscarriage care, and adoption referrals accounted for 1.6%, 0.9%, and 0.4%.
While these statistics suffice to make the case to allow states to defund Planned Parenthood, Schandevel wrote, the Times’ report deepens the argument by providing close-up looks at various facilities across the nation, and at how both patients and employees are faring poorly.
According to the Times, staff members report that they have been inadequately trained, and abortion facility conditions are disgusting. Further, the Times reviewed “scores of allegations” alongside a botched abortion complaint against the company, claiming “poor care.”
“Planned Parenthood claims that it needs Medicaid funding so it can provide holistic care for women,” Schandevel wrote. “But as its mismanagement of funds and mistreatment of patients and employees has proven, the organization cares much more about peddling abortion and pro-abortion politicking nationwide.”
The issue of whether states should be forced to give Planned Parenthood taxpayer dollars through Medicaid is now at the United States Supreme Court. In April, the court will hear oral arguments for Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic. The court could rule that South Carolina, which ADF represents in the case, has a right to disqualify Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funds if it continues to commit abortions.
“Americans have repeatedly rejected taxpayer funding of abortion, and they should not be forced to fund political organizations like Planned Parenthood,” Schandevel concluded. “The Supreme Court now has a chance to confirm that South Carolina and other pro-life states can direct taxpayer Medicaid funds to medical providers offering real healthcare services instead of abortion facilities that consistently choose harm over health.”
>> Background: Supreme Court to hear case on Planned Parenthood qualifying as Medicaid ‘provider’ <<
