Above: Dr. Christina Francis Speaks at Oral Arguments for Medina v. Planned Parenthood
On April 2, AAPLOG CEO Dr. Christina Francis spoke at a rally in front of the US Supreme Court during oral arguments for the case Medina v Planned Parenthood. The rally, titled “Choose Health, Not Harm,” featured several pro-life advocates supporting South Carolina’s right to promote life-affirming healthcare over the financial interests of abortion giant Planned Parenthood.
“I am grateful that we are all here together today,” said Dr. Francis during her address, “so that we can speak loudly and in one voice: We stand for women. We stand for families. We stand for the dignity of every human life.”
“I am proud to be here representing thousands of life-affirming physicians from across the country,” she continued, “including in the state of South Carolina – who care for ALL their patients by providing excellent healthcare, who comfort them in their struggles and who walk with them through every stage of pregnancy, no matter what challenges arise.”
Inside the Court, the Supreme Court justices heard arguments from both parties in the case, which was intended to decide whether states like South Carolina are able to deny Medicaid funding for abortion companies like Planned Parenthood. Oral arguments focused on the question of whether pro-life states have the duty to offer Medicaid funding to organizations, like Planned Parenthood, who promote and perform induced abortions in order to protect patients’ “right” to choose whichever healthcare provider they prefer.
Among the other speakers at this rally was minister Ruth Edmonds, who spoke about her own past experience at Planned Parenthood. She said,
I did not receive care at Planned Parenthood. It was simply a service for a fee. The aftermath was waves of emotions like depression and anxiety. I wish I had known there were other places where I could find help. I know I can’t turn back the hands of time, but I can use my voice to share my story today.
Above: Minister Ruth Edmonds shares her story at the Choose Health Not Harm rally.
AAPLOG submitted an amicus brief to the US Supreme Court for this case, in which we detailed why induced abortion is not essential healthcare. You can read this amicus brief here.
We expect a decision on this case in the early summer – stay tuned here for updates.
