Public Comment: Oppose VA Proposed Ban on Abortion Care
PRH urges the VA to rescind its harmful proposed ban on abortion counseling and services for veterans.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Physicians for Reproductive Health submitted a public comment in opposition to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ proposed rule on Reproductive Health Services. The rule would ban abortion care and counseling for veterans and their loved ones, stripping away essential health services even in cases of rape, incest, or life-threatening pregnancy.
Everyone—including veterans and their families—deserves access to comprehensive, respectful, and compassionate abortion care. By blocking providers from offering evidence-based services, the VA’s proposal endangers the health and dignity of millions of people, particularly those who already face higher risks of pregnancy complications, maternal mortality, and military sexual trauma. PRH strongly urges the VA to rescind this harmful policy.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
- VA’s proposed rule bans abortion care and counseling in both VA and CHAMPVA programs.
- Veterans face higher risks of pregnancy complications, maternal mortality, and sexual trauma.
- Providers will be forced to deny care, undermining their medical judgment and ethical duties.
- Exceptions are vague and harmful, creating delays and confusion that endanger patients.
- PRH strongly opposes the ban and calls on the VA to rescind the proposed rule immediately.