The Biden administration just took steps to reverse a policy that made it easier for veterans to get abortions. This policy was carried out through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This unfortunate decision comes in the wake of some major legal and political changes. This change follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 2022 to reverse Roe v. Wade. This policy change primarily affects female veterans, many of whom reside in states that either currently ban or are likely to ban abortion.
The VA is responsible for a vast network of more than 1,300 healthcare facilities, providing care to almost 10 million veterans annually. In order to increase access to reproductive health services, they adopted this new policy. Additionally, the policy allows for counseling about abortion as an option for veterans and their families. It permits abortions in some cases, including the rare instances of rape or incest and when a veteran’s health would be endangered by complications from pregnancy.
Peter Kasperowicz, the VA press secretary, stated, “DOJ’s opinion states that VA is not legally authorized to provide abortions, and VA is complying with it immediately.” This statement underscores the administration’s shift in policy and highlights the legal framework guiding the VA’s operations.
Over 56 percent of female veterans reside in areas that have or are instituting bans or severe limitations on access to abortion care. The old policy undercut their ability to give these women the support and care they need during traumatic circumstances. The new policy does not prohibit providers from administering care to pregnant women in emergencies where their life is at stake. For one, it severely restricts the range of reproductive health services provided to veterans.
The VA will continue to permit treatment related to miscarriage and ectopic pregnancies under the updated interim rule. In cases where a clinician determines that care is essential to save a veteran’s life, appropriate measures will still be taken. The reversal of the broader policy has sweeping ramifications. Continue reading Now, thousands of veterans will find it difficult if not impossible to access lifesaving reproductive healthcare treatments and procedures.
Critics of the decision have been heard from, expressing alarm at the long-term implications for veterans’ health. Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, remarked, “Denying veterans essential health care and abortion access – even in cases of rape or serious health risk – after they have sacrificed so much for our country is callous and inhumane.”
The VA’s new policy reflects significant national conversations regarding reproductive rights and healthcare access. As such, these debates are of critical importance to vulnerable populations such as veterans. As this situation continues to evolve, many advocates are calling for renewed discussions around the importance of comprehensive healthcare services for all veterans.