Report: VA Orders End to Abortions, Abortion Counseling at Facilities
The Trump administration has mandated an end to abortions and abortion counseling at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), reversing a Biden-era policy that allowed these services. This decision follows a December 18 memo from the Department of Justice stating that the VA lacks the legal authority to perform abortions, thus revoking previous guidance that permitted taxpayer-funded abortions in specific cases. The change aims to align the VA with over two decades of precedent, asserting that abortions are not 'needed' services unless the mother's life is at risk. Moving forward, the VA will focus on providing necessary medical care without the inclusion of abortion services, except in life-threatening situations.
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The DOJ's memo rescinded a previous opinion from the Biden administration that had permitted the VA to offer abortions and counseling, aiming to provide services in cases of rape, incest, or health risks.
In September 2022, the Biden administration's rule was enacted as a response to the Supreme Court's Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, thereby allowing states more control over abortion laws.
An internal VA memo dated December 22 instructed the department's regional networks to comply with the DOJ's directive, confirming the immediate cessation of abortion services.
VA press secretary Peter Kasperowicz stated that this decision aligns with a proposed rule under the Trump administration that is still undergoing regulatory processes.
The proposed rule argues that the previous Biden-era policy was legally questionable and inconsistent with the VA's mission, which focuses on providing essential medical services to veterans and their families.
Historically, from 1999 to 2022, the VA did not offer abortion services, a policy only changed in response to the Supreme Court's Dobbs ruling, which the Trump administration claims was misused for federal entitlement creation.
The new policy will maintain access to medical treatments for ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages, ensuring care for pregnant women in life-threatening circumstances.