VA Imposes Near-Total Abortion Ban, Sparking Outcry From Veterans and Advocates
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented a new rule on New Year’s Eve enacting a near-total ban on abortion access for veterans, reversing a policy enacted in the wake of the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. The change has ignited a fierce debate over reproductive rights and the care of those who served, with advocates warning of potentially devastating consequences for women veterans, particularly survivors of military sexual trauma.
Lauren Feringa, a retired Army National Guard combat medic, embodies the complex realities at the heart of this controversy. Exposed to toxins during the Iraq War and later suffering concussive injuries in Afghanistan, Feringa believes these experiences contributed to complications when trying to start a family. She underwent three VA-covered abortions after doctors determined the fetuses were not viable and her health was at risk. “This is all insane,” Feringa stated, adding, “Women have to be the only authority over what goes on with their bodies.” She questioned the ethics of denying care to survivors of rape, calling the situation “dystopian.”
The new policy significantly restricts abortion access, allowing the procedure only when the mother’s life is at risk. It rolls back previous provisions that covered abortions in cases of rape, incest, or to protect the veteran’s health. This shift places women veterans who rely on the VA for reproductive care at a disadvantage compared to incarcerated women in federal prisons, who retain broader abortion access.
The decision comes after a Department of Justice opinion concluded that the VA is not legally authorized to provide abortions. According to a statement from agency spokesman Peter Kasperowicz, procedures necessary to save a veteran’s life are still permissible under federal law. However, the agency has not clarified the rationale behind the policy change regarding cases of rape and incest.
The rollback has drawn sharp criticism from VA medical professionals and reproductive rights organizations. “The idea that VA would deny abortion care even in cases of rape – to me that’s disgusting,” said Rachel Fey, interim Co-CEO of Power to Decide, a reproductive rights advocacy group, who described the ban as “devastating” and “disrespectful” to veterans.
Concerns are also mounting within the VA itself. An OB-GYN physician, speaking anonymously due to fear of retaliation, warned that the new policy would force providers to “keep pushing women veterans to ‘come back when you’re worse. You’re not sick enough,’” potentially leading to preventable deaths. Another VA doctor expressed worry about a “chilling effect” on abortion counseling, fearing physicians would hesitate to offer guideline-based recommendations.
The issue is particularly poignant given the prevalence of military sexual assault. A 2023 Pentagon survey estimated that 7% of women servicemembers experienced unwanted sexual contact in the past year. Jackii Wang, senior legislative analyst for the National Women’s Law Center, emphasized the unconscionable nature of denying care to veterans who have experienced trauma.
National Nurses United, representing 13,500 nurses at VA facilities, denounced the policy as “misogynistic, dangerous, and discriminatory,” arguing it violates nurses’ ethical obligations.
The policy change has ignited a political firestorm. Democrats in Congress have introduced legislation to restore abortion access and counseling within the VA health system, though its passage is considered unlikely given the current political climate. Senator Tammy Duckworth, a combat-wounded veteran and former VA official, condemned the decision, stating that the administration is denying veterans “the care they’ve earned through their service.” Representative Mark Takano called the move “draconian” and harmful to veterans’ trust in the system.
Republicans, however, have largely praised the decision. Senator Jerry Moran, chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, applauded the administration for returning to the pre-Biden policy to “protect the unborn.” Representative Mike Bost, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, argued that taxpayer money should not be used for abortions and that the VA should focus on service-connected healthcare.
VA Secretary Doug Collins is scheduled to testify before Congress on Wednesday to address concerns about the new abortion policy. The debate underscores the growing national conflict over abortion rights and its impact on vulnerable populations, including those who have served their country.
