Advocates Draw Front Before Looming VA Abortion Fight

Democratic senators have vowed to fight to defend the Department of Veterans Affairs from looming attacks over its recent decision to provide abortions to veterans in limited circumstances, and the move supports women’s health. He called it an important step in saving lives.

“Women should make their own decisions about their bodies, not the government,” Senator Elizabeth Warren (Democrat of Massachusetts) said at a news conference at the Capitol on Wednesday. “Abortion is medical and a basic human right. VA’s action is a very important move in the right direction.”

The event comes just five days after VA officials announced that departmental physicians will provide veterans and eligible dependents with access to abortions in cases of rape, incest, and pregnancy that endanger an individual’s life or health. was done later.

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The move followed a June Supreme Court ruling that overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that legalized abortion nationwide. Since then, more than 20 states have banned or restricted the procedure.

Veterans Announcement Helps Staff Help Veterans Acquire Abortions at Outsourced Medical Facilities or Perform Abortions on Federal Property, Even in States Where the Procedure Is Outlawed It means you can.

Officials said the new policy will take effect later this month. In response, conservative leaders vowed to block the move.

In a statement last week, House Veterans Committee Senior Commissioner Mike Bost (R-Illinois) believes existing law prohibits the VA from assisting or conducting abortions. I said yes.

“This proposal goes against long-established laws and is a complete administrative overreach,” he said. “I am against it and already working to stop it.”

On Tuesday, Republican Florida Senator Marco Rubio called the VA’s decision “grotesque and illegal” and said he would seek legislation to stop the move.

“The Department of Veterans Affairs should focus on caring for the brave men and women who have served our country,” he said in a statement. [Joe] Biden is trying to turn a local VA facility into an abortion factory. ”

The Alabama Political Reporter on Wednesday reported that Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall has pledged to prosecute providers who violate his state’s abortion ban, even if the proceedings take place on federal property. did.

“I will not waive my duty to enforce fetal life protection laws against practitioners who illegally perform abortions in Alabama,” he told news outlets. “The state’s power to protect the life of an unborn child is entrenched.”

VA leaders and supporters at Wednesday’s press conference disagree. According to them, federal law allows abortions to be performed when a veteran’s life or health is in danger. Supporters called the move to further restrict abortion options an attack on women’s rights.

“It’s a tough time to be a female veteran in America,” said Alison Jarsault, an Iraq War veteran who helped found Operation Liberty, which advocates for abortion rights for the military and veterans. I was.

“My country trusted me to make life-and-death decisions on the battlefield. My country entrusted me with the combat lives of its soldiers. You no longer trust me with your healthcare decisions.”

Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill. Another Iraq War veteran said she and other lawmakers will work closely with VA leaders to ensure the new abortion service is implemented correctly and promptly.

“I am proud that the VA made this decision,” she said. I’m proud to be able to get something basic and basic for

In addition to abortion procedures, VA officials said the pending rule change would allow doctors for the first time to offer counseling to patients about abortion questions.

The leaders have not disclosed when the process will begin, but have posted additional information on the department’s website regarding the full range of eligibility and available services.

Leo covers Congress, Veterans Affairs, and the Military Times White House. He has covered Washington, DC since his 2004, focusing on military and veterans policy. His work has received numerous accolades, including the 2009 Polk Award, the 2010 National Headliner Award, the IAVA Leadership in Journalism Award, and the VFW News Media Award.

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