Wichita Standard

During a recent Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing, Richard Blumenthal, the Ranking Member from Connecticut, urged Doug Collins, the nominee for Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to uphold veterans' access to reproductive care. This request pertains to the Department of Veterans Affairs' rule that provides abortion counseling and care in specific situations.

Blumenthal emphasized the importance of maintaining this policy following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that overturned Roe v. Wade. He stated, "I expect the Administration to consider the existing rule legally binding unless it is replaced or struck down." He further noted that revoking this policy could endanger pregnant veterans in states with restrictive abortion laws.

The VA's rule, established in 2022, allows for abortion services in cases involving rape, incest, or threats to a veteran's life or health. Prior to this rulemaking, there was an absolute ban on such services within VA facilities.

Blumenthal questioned Collins about his commitment to keeping the Committee informed if there were any reconsiderations of this rule by a future administration: “You have been asked…whether you will continue to abide by the VA rule concerning abortion... Will you commit that you will inform this Committee if and when you begin reconsideration of the present rule?”

Collins assured Blumenthal that he would keep the Committee updated on any discussions regarding changes to this policy: "I will keep this Committee informed. The Chairman and Ranking Member will know any of the discussions as we begin toward that decision."

Blumenthal has been a vocal supporter of women's reproductive rights and co-leads legislation aimed at ensuring nationwide access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare.