Veteran Affairs Abortion Submits an Interim Final Rule (IFR)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 7, 2022
PRESS CONTACT:
Victoria Moore
Veteran Affairs Abortion Submits an Interim Final Rule (IFR)
Washington D.C.: This week the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) announced its new rule providing its beneficiaries with access to abortion counseling and to abortions in the case of rape, incest, or when the life or health of the pregnant veteran is endangered (press release and access to additional information at www.va.gov). The rule must be published in the Federal Register, opening a 30-day comment period, which is expected next week. On publication, the rule will take effect immediately.
This action has been a long time coming, the VA acknowledged that “abortion restrictions are creating a medical emergency” for veterans. The Department is committing “to prepare to provide these services in as many locations as possible.”
While the DVA regulatory change is significant, for it to endure, the new policy should be turned into law and Congress should fully fund the programs needed to enhance access to these medical services.
Providing critical health care to women and minorities is basic to acknowledging the service veterans have contributed to this nation.
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