Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal, Senator Patty Murray, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, and other committee Democrats have introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution aimed at overturning a Trump Administration rule that ends abortion counseling and abortion care for veterans in cases of rape or when pregnancy threatens their health.
Blumenthal stated, “The Trump VA’s new policy’s primary purpose is to prevent women who are victims of rape or incest or whose health is at risk from receiving abortion care. We cannot let the Trump Administration deprive women veterans of essential health care so they can score cheap political points. Our Congressional Review Act resolution aims to overturn this cruel, misguided action. If my Republican colleagues really believe in protecting women veterans who have been raped or whose health is at risk, they can prove it— simply support this resolution.”
Senator Murray commented, “Trump’s VA abortion ban is a profound betrayal of women who put their lives on the line for our country—ripping away access to abortion care even when a woman is raped or her pregnancy endangers her health. If the Trump administration thought they could quietly implement this extreme abortion ban and get away with it, they thought wrong—we won’t stop being loud about this. Trump’s policy not only rips away VA’s already-limited ability to provide abortion care, but it gags VA providers from even talking to their veteran patients about their health care options. It does not get more extreme than this. I hope every Senator will join me in fighting to overturn Trump’s abortion ban at VA and restore essential health care for our veterans.”
Leader Schumer added, “The Trump administration seems hellbent on abandoning our veterans by withholding lifesaving health care. But Senate Democrats will not let this happen without a fight,” said Leader Schumer. “The rule by the Trump administration is just another cruel step toward their clear, extreme goal of a national abortion ban, an idea that is way out of step with the American people. This CRA gives senators the opportunity to support the health and safety of the servicemembers who sacrifice to keep our country safe.”
The resolution has backing from several committee members including Senators Bernard Sanders, Mazie Hirono, Maggie Hassan, Angus King, Tammy Duckworth, Ruben Gallego and Elissa Slotkin.
Veterans organizations such as Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Vet Voice Foundation and others also support the CRA resolution.
Dr. Kyleanne Hunter of IAVA said: “The VA exists to serve all who served, including women in need of abortion counseling in extenuating circumstance. With nearly 70% of our members overwhelmingly supporting women veterans’ access to care post-Dobbs, IAVA applauds the CRA action taken in both the House and Senate, which would ensure that timely and necessary care is continued.”
A group representing twelve organizations stated: “After all that veterans have sacrificed to defend our freedoms, it is appalling to strip them of the right to make their own health care decisions. We applaud every lawmaker who signed onto this resolution condemning the rule to ban abortion care and counseling at the VA, including in cases of rape or incest, and we urge both chambers to act swiftly to overturn this extreme policy that puts veterans’ health and safety at risk.”
Janessa Goldbeck from Vet Voice Foundation remarked: “Veterans were promised care, dignity, and respect when they raised their right hand to serve. This decision breaks that promise. Stripping veterans of access to abortion care and even basic medical counseling is cruel, medically dangerous, and fundamentally dishonest. Veterans especially women veterans face higher rates of complicated and high-risk pregnancies because of their service. Denying them full evidence-based reproductive healthcare is not about protecting life; it is about imposing ideology at the expense of veterans’ health and autonomy. The VA exists to serve veterans not make their most personal medical decisions for them.”
Lindsay Church from Minority Veterans of America commented: “With the stroke of a pen Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) increased risk maternal mortality severe maternal morbidity by reducing veterans’ access basic necessary life-saving reproductive healthcare... To uphold its mission serve those served VA must withdraw policy... Preserving access full spectrum reproductive healthcare essential honoring service sacrifices dignity women minority veterans.”
Naveed Shah from Common Defense said: “The Department Veterans Affairs banning reproductive healthcare profound betrayal those sacrificed country... By eliminating comprehensive healthcare access earned ban disregards overwhelming public opposition demonstrated thousands comments many made Common Defense members... Congress overturn ban prioritize well-being service members deserve better callous erosion rights.”
This CRA was introduced after a final rule by the Department of Veterans Affairs under President Trump ended provision for these services through VA facilities.
Previously in September 2022 following Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling—which led some states restrict abortions—the VA began offering counseling on abortions as well as procedures in certain circumstances such as rape incest danger life/health veteran CHAMPVA beneficiary.
Before publishing its final rule DOJ issued memo prohibiting such services; soon after internal memo implemented new policy immediately.
More than 462000 female veterans reproductive age currently enrolled for VA healthcare, over half living states where restrictions exist on abortions; additional 112000 CHAMPVA beneficiaries may be affected.
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee oversees programs supporting former military personnel—including benefits & healthcare—and advances legislation affecting social progress like expanded medical services.
