Source: NC Policy Watch
The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced a new policy under which the VA will now be able to provide abortion counseling and, in certain cases, abortions to pregnant veterans and veteran beneficiaries.
The VA will provide access to abortion in cases where the life or health of the mother would be endangered if the pregnancy were carried to term or when pregnancy is the result of rape or incest.
While Democrats celebrated the VA’s new policy, Republicans have sharply criticized the decision and have already pledged to put a stop to it, according to NC Policy Watch. Particularly in states with bans on abortions, there will likely be numerous court challenges, however, VA doctors aren’t necessarily licensed in the state they practice in because they operate at a federal level, meaning they would not face legal ramifications in states with a ban or restrictions on abortion.
Despite potential challenges, the VA will provide abortions to veterans and veteran beneficiaries in cases of rape or incest, or if the mother’s life or health is in danger until a court order tells them they can’t.
