VA Proposes Ending Abortions, Coverage at Medical Facilities

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under President Trump is proposing to rescind a Biden administration rule that allowed VA hospitals to provide abortion services in cases of rape, incest, or when the pregnancy endangers the mother's life or health. The proposed rule would revert to a 1999 policy that excludes abortions and abortion counseling from taxpayer-funded VA benefits, except when the mother's life is at risk, effectively banning abortions at VA medical facilities. This reversal comes after the Supreme Court's 2022 Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade and led the Biden administration to expand abortion access for veterans, including in states with abortion bans. VA officials characterize the Biden-era policy as politically motivated and assert that the change restores VA's role to providing only necessary medical services for veterans. The proposal has faced criticism from abortion rights advocates who view it as restricting essential medical options for veterans and their families. The rule is currently undergoing public comment and review before becoming permanent but is already being enforced within the department.