The U.S. Division of Veterans Affairs constructing is seen in Washington, D.C., in 2019.
Alastair Pike/AFP by way of Getty Pictures
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Alastair Pike/AFP by way of Getty Pictures
The U.S. Division of Veterans Affairs constructing is seen in Washington, D.C., in 2019.
Alastair Pike/AFP by way of Getty Pictures
The Division of Veterans Affairs says it’ll begin offering abortions in sure circumstances, even in states the place it is unlawful or restricted.
The brand new coverage got here in response to the latest U.S. Supreme Courtroom determination overturning Roe v. Wade, which allowed state governments to resolve whether or not to allow abortions.
Since then, a variety of states have applied full bans on the process or drastically restricted it.
Now, the VA says it is stepping in to supply abortions in an effort to defend the well being and lives of veterans in locations the place they will now not entry such reproductive care.
Below a new interim closing rule, pregnant veterans and VA beneficiaries will be capable to get abortions if their life or well being could be in peril if the being pregnant went to time period. Sufferers whose pregnancies had been the results of rape or incest will even be eligible for abortions.
The division mentioned it could put together to supply the companies in as many locations as attainable as quickly because the rule is revealed.
“We got here to this determination after listening to VA well being care suppliers and Veterans throughout the nation, who sounded the alarm that abortion restrictions are making a medical emergency for these we serve,” Dr. Shereef Elnahal, the VA’s undersecretary for well being, mentioned in an announcement.
“Providing this care will save Veterans’ well being and lives, and there’s nothing extra necessary than that,” he added.
The division mentioned determinations of whether or not a pregnant particular person’s life or well being was in peril could be made on a case-by-case foundation and contain session between VA well being care suppliers and sufferers.
The division says its staff are in a position to keep away from state restrictions “when working throughout the scope of their federal employment.”
