For Immediate Release: 06-26-25
Contact: Josue Sierra, media@indlawcenter.org
Direct: 202-430-0282
The following statements are in response to the decision from the Supreme Court of the United States in Medina v. Planned Parenthood South Atlantic:
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Statement from Janice L. Martino-Gottshall, Senior Counsel, Independence Law Center:
“Today’s Supreme Court decision affirms the vital role that states play in protecting the integrity and priorities of their own healthcare systems. The Court rightly recognized that the Medicaid Act does not grant individuals the power to sue in federal court every time a state disqualifies a provider.
The Independence Law Center was proud to file an amicus brief in this case on behalf of 36 state family policy councils. Our brief emphasized that Medicaid was designed as a cooperative federal-state program, not as a blank check for litigation. Allowing private lawsuits would drain the very resources meant for low-income families and undermine the flexibility states need to ensure that Medicaid providers align with their health and moral priorities.
This ruling restores balance to Medicaid’s design and affirms that states can—and must—set standards that best serve their citizens.”
Statement from Judge Cheryl Lynn Allen (Ret.), Of Counsel, Independence Law Center:
“The Supreme Court’s ruling in Medina v. Planned Parenthood is a significant win for state authority, patient care, and constitutional balance. States must be allowed to determine which providers are qualified to serve their vulnerable populations—without being overruled by federal courts at the behest of special interest groups.
As our amicus brief made clear, allowing a private right of action would not only violate the structure of Medicaid, but it would also harm the very people Medicaid was designed to help by diverting limited funds away from patient care and into litigation. Today’s ruling rightly upholds the principle that protecting low-income families begins with respecting the state’s ability to govern wisely and responsibly.”
Click here to read more on Independence Law Center’s case page.
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