The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Thursday that states can bar Medicaid payments to Planned Parenthood, the nation's largest abortion provider. The federal government and many states already block using Medicaid funds to cover abortion.

The Supreme Court ruled Thursday that states may exclude Planned Parenthood clinics from providing medical screenings and other healthcare for women on Medicaid.The court's conservative majority cast aside the longstanding rule that said Medicaid patients may obtain medical care from any qualified provider.

The Supreme Court handed down a major decision that could have wide-ranging implications for Planned Parenthood. In a split decision, the Supreme Court ruled South Carolina has the right to essentially defund Planned Parenthood by cutting off Medicaid money.