Gov. Henry McMaster has vetoed almost $16 million in family planning funds from South Carolina’s budget, ensuring taxpayer money does not go to abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.

“I have stated many times I am opposed to what Planned Parenthood is doing. And the veto I have is the most direct way,” McMaster said in a press conference. “Taxpayer dollars must not directly or indirectly subsidize abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.”

A week after the veto, McMaster ordered the state Department of Health and Human Services to continue covering “necessary medical care and important women’s health and
family planning services” but also “to terminate abortion clinics as Medicaid providers.