The conservative-majority Supreme Court has sided with Planned Parenthood in refusing to hear appeals from two states requesting a ban on allowing Medicaid to be used at the healthcare provider.
Following losses in lower courts, Louisiana and Kansas appealed their cases to the Supreme Court, Reuters reports. The states hoped to strip Planned Parenthood of federal funding due to the fact the organization provides abortions. Planned Parenthood facilities in Louisiana do not perform any abortions at all, and only a few locations in Kansas are authorized to perform the procedure.
Six justices, including conservative judges Chief Justice John Roberts and the new addition to the court, Brett Kavanaugh, refused to take the case. Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch, the remaining conservative judges, argued the court should have heard the argument. At least four judges have to vote in favor of a hearing for a matter to appear in front of the bench.
The decision by the court means a ruling from a federal appeals court that says states cannot sue to ban federal funding for Planned Parenthood remains in place, according to Politico. Federal law prohibits providers from using government money for abortions, but it can be used for the other services Planned Parenthood provides.
Despite these facts, pro-life supporters were disappointed by the decision.
“We regret today’s decision from the U.S. Supreme Court announcing that it fell one vote short of taking our case against Planned Parenthood,” Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer said in a statement.
Students for Life of America President Kristan Hawkin used abortion in her argument against the ruling, according to NPR.
"Abortion is not healthcare, and women's needs are better met by real, full-service medical locations, not abortion vendors," Hawkin said. "This is a legitimate question and a missed opportunity — whether abortion vendors have a right to taxpayer monies."
Planned Parenthood President Leana Wen applauded the Supreme Court for its choice.
"We are pleased that lower court rulings protecting patients remain in place," said Wen. "Every person has a fundamental right to health care, no matter who they are, where they live or how much they earn. … We won't stop fighting for every patient who relies on Planned Parenthood for lifesaving, life-changing care."
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