U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (Photo: Street Sense | Mark Thayer)
The VA has restored near-total limits on abortion services offered through the VA health care system, prompting responses from lawmakers and advocacy groups.
The department maintains that it is acting within its legal obligation.
The change reverses a policy adopted under the Biden administration. That earlier policy allowed the VA to provide abortion services and related counseling in limited circumstances, including rape, incest, or situations where a Veteran’s life or health was at risk. Only the latter of the three will remain in effect.
The Biden-era policy was introduced after the Supreme Court Dobbs decision, which ended federal constitutional protections for abortion and gave states greater control over abortion laws. In explaining the change, the VA said it has the authority to exclude abortion services from the VA medical benefits package. The agency stated that the Biden administration expanded access based on predictions that Veterans would face increased barriers to care and that demand for abortion services through the VA would rise after the Dobbs ruling. Per the VA, that level of demand did not materialize, which led the department to reevaluate whether the policy should remain in place.
Several lawmakers expressed concern about the move through social media. Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) said the change would reduce reproductive health care options for Veterans and would undermine support for those who served in the military. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) also criticized the proposal, saying it limits Veterans’ ability to make their own health care decisions. She stated that the policy could be especially harmful to survivors of military sexual trauma, who may already face barriers when seeking care.
Reproductive rights organizations have also responded. The Center for Reproductive Rights said the policy would prevent Veterans and their families from receiving abortion services at VA health care facilities across the country. The organization said the restriction would apply in all states, including those that have laws protecting access to abortion, because VA facilities follow federal policy rather than state law.
Supporters of reinstating the limits argue that the VA has historically followed federal restrictions on abortion services similar to those used in other federally funded health programs. They say the VA should remain consistent with long-standing federal standards and should not expand services beyond what is clearly authorized by law. Supporters also argue that changes to abortion policy should be addressed by Congress rather than federal agencies.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted family connection to the military, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.
