Ranking Members Takano and Brownley Applaud VA’s Final Rule on Abortion Access for Veterans

WASHINGTON, DC --  House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39) and Subcommittee on Health Ranking Member Julia Brownley (CA-26) released the following statement after the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) published its final rule on reproductive healthcare for veterans and beneficiaries of the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) today: 

“We applaud VA for finalizing this important rule, which was a long overdue step in improving reproductive healthcare for veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries. Under this rule, VA can now provide abortion counseling and abortion care in cases of rape, incest, or where the life or health of the patient is at risk. Veterans have given so much to our country through their service, so it is up to us to make sure they can access the comprehensive healthcare and benefits they have earned. 

Too many states are restricting and outright banning patients’ access to life-saving abortion care—even in cases of rape, incest, and to protect the life of the patient. This also extends to veterans if they are in a state where these rights have been taken away. That is why it is so important that VA retain the ability to provide access to abortion if a veteran needs it, no matter where they live.  

We must also continue to act with urgency to protect patient privacy and their access to care. Under the guise of congressional oversight, Committee Republicans have demanded VA turn over private health information about veterans who have received abortion care at VA facilities across the country. We will continue to stand against any efforts to undermine women veterans’ privacy and autonomy.” 

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