An advocacy group has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration challenging its decision to reinstate a near-total ban on abortions for veterans and their dependents covered by the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system. The federal suit, filed Thursday, targets a rule finalized by the VA on December 31 that eliminates limited abortion access established under the Biden administration.
Key Takeaways
An advocacy group has sued the Trump administration over its decision to reinstate a near-ban on abortions for veterans and their family members who rely on VA healthcare. The lawsuit claims the rule, finalized in December, violates federal procedures by not citing medical evidence or justifications. The VA now only allows abortions when a woman's life is threatened, removing exceptions for rape, incest, or health risks.
- Advocacy group sues Trump administration over VA abortion access ban
- Rule reinstates near-ban on abortions for veterans and family members
- VA claims change restores longstanding position under federal law
- Lawsuit alleges violation of Administrative Procedures Act
According to Los Angeles Times, attorneys for Minority Veterans of America argue the VA adopted this change without providing medical evidence or justifications, thereby violating the Administrative Procedures Act which governs federal rulemaking. The group is seeking to have the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit overturn this rule.
The VA first included abortion coverage in 2022 under President Biden's administration following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade and subsequent state-level abortion bans. PBS reports that the previous policy allowed abortions when a pregnant woman’s life or health was at risk, or in cases of rape or incest, even in states where abortion was banned.
The current VA rule, announced last August after President Trump returned to office, maintains coverage for life-threatening situations but removes exceptions for rape, incest, and health risks. It also prohibits abortion counseling. The lawsuit highlights the case of an unnamed veteran member who recently discovered she is pregnant and faces serious health complications due to her pregnancy.
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