Plans to limit access to abortion services within its healthcare programs, has been made public by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This shows a major change in policies that were put in place under the Biden administration.
Why This Decision Matters
The VA brings about this change a few years after policy changes which happened in the year 2022. That change had put an end to protection for abortion rights.
The Biden administration had given permission to the VA to provide abortion services in very minimal situations. An example of this, was when pregnancy resulted from sexual assault or when the pregnancy was shown to a risk to the mother’s health.
Currently, the VA is attempting to put in place more restrictive measures which will allow abortions only in a case where it’s a risk to the mother’s health.
What the VA Is Proposing
According to a notice posted in the Federal Register, it was stated that the VA plans to bring back the policy that was in place before 2022. This simply means removing the access for abortion for cases which involve sexual assault or when there’s a threat to the mother’s health.
The change would also apply to the VA’s medical benefits package, which covers care for veterans and certain dependents. However, coverage for medical issues like miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies would still be available.
Because of limits set out in the Hyde Amendment, this change came with a lot of negative pushback from many law officials. The Hyde Amendment is a government provision that prevents the use of government money for abortions at any other point other than if the mother’s life is in danger.
The Actual Move
This change has brought about a lot of discussion from all sides, which is not surprising. Lawmakers in the Republic expressed gratitude about the change, stating that it would guarantee the prudent use of taxpayer funds.
Members of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs released a statement saying:
“Taxpayers do not want their hard-earned money spent on abortions. VA’s sole focus should be providing service-connected health care to the veterans they serve.”
Texas Representative Tony Gonzales stated that the decision was a necessary one to return to the VA’s core mission.
However, abortion rights advocates see this in a different light.
Alexis McGill Johnson, president of Planned Parenthood, was against the proposal stating:
“Those who fight for our freedom deserve the freedom to make their own healthcare decisions. This rule strips them of that right.”
Nancy Northup, head of the Centre for Reproductive Rights, argued similar:
“After sacrificing so much, veterans deserve full access to healthcare. This move sends a disturbing message that their health and dignity are disposable.”
What Happens Next?
It is important to note that the VA’s change is not final yet. The public is still welcome to comment for 30 days, ending on September 3rd. Before the final decision is made, the public and other people, including advocacy groups, can still provide their thoughts and opinions during this time.
Until this rule is not finalised, current abortion procedures still remain in place, but remember, if this change is implemented, there will be drastic changes. Healthcare options for female reproductive care, will be reduced.
A Crossroads for Veterans’ Health Rights
The debates surrounding this change are a part of a bigger discussion about access to healthcare and abortion rights. To stay informed of any changes, veterans nationwide need to stay up to date on verified information. Citizens can find information surrounding this matter on the VA website.