The U.S. Division of Veterans Affairs constructing is seen in Washington, D.C., in 2019.
Alastair Pike/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
cover caption
toggle caption
Alastair Pike/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
The U.S. Division of Veterans Affairs constructing is seen in Washington, D.C., in 2019.
Alastair Pike/AFP by way of Getty Photographs
The Division of Veterans Affairs says it is going to begin offering abortions in sure circumstances, even in states the place it is unlawful or restricted.
The brand new coverage got here in response to the current U.S. Supreme Courtroom determination overturning Roe v. Wade, which allowed state governments to determine whether or not to allow abortions.
Since then, various states have applied full bans on the process or drastically restricted it.
Now, the VA says it is stepping in to supply abortions so as to shield the well being and lives of veterans in locations the place they’ll not entry such reproductive care.
Underneath a new interim last rule, pregnant veterans and VA beneficiaries will have the ability to get abortions if their life or well being can be in peril if the being pregnant went to time period. Sufferers whose pregnancies had been the results of rape or incest will even be eligible for abortions.
The division stated it might put together to supply the providers in as many locations as doable as quickly because the rule is revealed.
“We got here to this determination after listening to VA well being care suppliers and Veterans throughout the nation, who sounded the alarm that abortion restrictions are making a medical emergency for these we serve,” Dr. Shereef Elnahal, the VA’s undersecretary for well being, stated in an announcement.
“Providing this care will save Veterans’ well being and lives, and there may be nothing extra vital than that,” he added.
The division stated determinations of whether or not a pregnant particular person’s life or well being was in peril can be made on a case-by-case foundation and contain session between VA well being care suppliers and sufferers.
The division says its workers are capable of keep away from state restrictions “when working throughout the scope of their federal employment.”
