Article Summary –
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs is proposing a ban on all abortion services for veterans receiving care through the VA health care system, including cases of rape or incest, which would remove abortion and counseling from the VA’s medical benefits. Opponents argue the ban could delay necessary reproductive health care for veterans, especially in states with existing abortion bans, and highlight that over 50,000 women veterans enrolled in VA healthcare in 2024, with many living in states with restrictive abortion laws. The ban would undo a Biden-era ruling allowing abortions when the life or health of the pregnant veteran is endangered or when the pregnancy results from rape or incest, and critics, like Lindsay Church, emphasize its negative impact on veterans, particularly survivors of sexual assault.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) proposes a ban on abortion services for veterans in its health system, even in rape or incest cases.
As noted in the Federal Register on Aug. 4, the proposal excludes abortion and counseling from VA medical benefits and the Civilian Health and Medical Program.
The notice stated the action aims to provide only necessary medical services to veterans and their families.
Critics argue the abortion ban could delay essential care, especially in states with abortion restrictions. In 2024, over 50,000 women veterans joined VA healthcare, marking a 20% rise, according to VA News.
Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley of Power to Decide warns that denying counseling for pregnancy complications is malpractice.
McDonald-Mosley, practicing in Baltimore, Maryland, highlights that many patients relying on TRICARE face pregnancy complications and deserve full counseling.
The 2023 study by the National Partnership for Women and Families shows over 400,000 veterans live in states with abortion bans.
Military.com reports 88 abortions by the VA in 2023, with 64 necessary for health reasons.
The proposal allows abortions only when life-threatening, but Jackii Wang from the National Women’s Law Center notes such exceptions can risk patients’ lives.
Wang comments that many women have died due to delayed care, calling the decision cruel, especially for veterans who served the country.
The VA’s proposal undoes an interim final ruling from the Biden administration post-Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that reversed Roe v. Wade.
The Biden-era rule allowed VA abortions if necessary for a veteran’s health or in cases of rape or incest, as confirmed by a healthcare professional.
Rescinding Biden’s rule aligns with Project 2025, a conservative Heritage Foundation document co-authored by anti-abortion groups.
The document suggests rescinding clinical policies like abortion and gender reassignment surgeries that don’t align with service-connected conditions.
Lindsay Church of Minority Veterans of America emphasizes the proposal impacts women and reproductive-age members, neglecting rape survivors.
Church states that many veterans are sexual assault survivors, and the lack of exceptions is deeply personal.
The U.S. Department of Defense reported 8,195 sexual assault cases in 2024.
Church highlights that states like Texas and Florida with restrictive abortion laws severely impact veterans.
Church shared a personal experience with pregnancy termination in Virginia post-Dobbs, saying under Biden’s policy, their partner would have received care through the Civilian Health and Medical Program.
Public comments on the proposed rule are open until Sept. 3.
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