Power to Decide Applauds Introduction of Bill Rejecting VA Abortion Ban
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Today, Representative Brownley (D-CA) and Senator Blumenthal (D-CT) introduced legislation rejecting a final rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that bans abortion care and counseling for veterans, their eligible family members, and caregivers. The rule was finalized in late December and bans abortion through the VA, even in cases of rape, incest, and health endangerment. Additionally, it bans all counseling on abortion.
In response, Power to Decide Interim Co-CEO and Vice President of Policy and Strategic Partnerships Rachel Fey issued the following statement:
“Power to Decide applauds Representative Brownley, Senator Blumenthal, and all the cosponsors for introducing a congressional resolution to reverse the final rule banning abortion counseling and coverage issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs. At a time when many are already struggling to access health care, the Trump-Vance administration should be improving —not undermining—access to reproductive health care. Unfortunately, the final VA abortion rule does just that.
“This ban violates a core responsibility of the VA, which is to provide care for veterans and ‘promote, preserve, or restore the health of the individual.’ In fact, it does the opposite and risks the health and lives of those who have already risked their lives to serve our country.
“As an organization dedicated to reproductive well-being, we believe everyone deserves access to the full range of sexual and reproductive health care, including abortion care, regardless of who they are, where they live, and what their coverage looks like. Our resources, Bedsider and AbortionFinder, are here to support everyone in getting access to the information and care they need.
We urge all members of Congress to support this resolution and reverse the VA abortion ban.”
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Power to Decide is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to advance sexual and reproductive well-being for all by providing trusted information, expanding access to quality services, and catalyzing culture change.
