Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Trump Administration Proposes Ending Nearly All Abortion Access at VA Facilities

The interim Federal Register proposal revokes 2022 abortion authority at VA sites in all but life-threatening cases under a 30-day comment period.

Overview

  • The Department of Veterans Affairs published the interim rule on August 6, formally rescinding the Biden-era authority for VA physicians to perform abortions in cases of rape, incest or threats to health.
  • The proposal restores pre-2022 exclusions for abortion services and counseling, allowing the procedure only when a physician certifies that carrying a pregnancy to term would endanger a veteran’s life.
  • VA leaders emphasized that care for miscarriages and ectopic pregnancies will remain available under existing federal law protections.
  • Administration officials labeled the 2022 rule “legally questionable” and cited department data showing roughly 100 veterans and 40 CHAMPVA beneficiaries use VA abortion benefits each year.
  • Public comments are open through September 3, and while Republicans praise the rollback as a return to historic norms, Democrats and advocacy groups warn it will strip pregnant veterans of vital medical options.