Clinics and Patient Challenge Georgia’s Refusal to Offer Medicaid Coverage for ‘Medically Necessary’ Abortions

The Georgia Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in a legal challenge brought against the state for its refusal to reimburse Medicaid recipients for abortion care when the procedure is needed to protect a woman’s health. Several abortion clinics in Georgia and an unnamed Medicaid recipient sued the state arguing that it was unconstitutional to exclude “medically necessary” abortions from coverage. Under the current law, state Medicaid coverage can only be used to fund abortions in cases where the pregnancy is the result of rape, incest, or to protect the life of the woman.

In some cases, an abortion is necessary to protect a woman’s health even though her life is not in danger. Removing funding restrictions for abortion care is an integral step in ensuring that women are able to access the abortion care they need regardless of their financial circumstances.