U.S. Senator Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) has joined other Senate Democrats in introducing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution aimed at overturning a Trump Administration rule that ends abortion counseling and care for veterans, including those who have experienced rape or whose pregnancies threaten their health.
Senator Hirono stated, “Our veterans shouldn’t have to face barriers to accessing the reproductive health care they need, especially in instances of rape or when their pregnancy put their health at risk. As Trump and Republicans continue to attack these fundamental rights, I am proud to stand with my colleagues and introduce this CRA resolution to fight back against this administration. I will continue doing everything in my power to ensure that all who have bravely served our country, regardless of circumstances, have access to the abortion counseling and care they need.”
The new rule from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), issued under the Trump Administration, would prevent VA facilities from providing abortion services or counseling. The CRA is a legislative tool that allows Congress to overturn federal agency rules with a simple majority vote.
A companion resolution was also introduced in the House by Representatives Julia Brownley (D-CA) and Mark Takano (D-CA).
In September 2022, following the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision—which led many states to restrict or ban abortions—the VA began offering abortion counseling and certain abortion services for veterans and CHAMPVA beneficiaries in cases involving rape, incest, or threats to life or health.
Before the finalization of this rule change, both the Department of Justice and VA had issued memos banning such care within VA facilities.
According to data cited by lawmakers, more than 462,000 women veterans of reproductive age are enrolled in VA healthcare programs. Over half live in states where abortion is banned or restricted.
The resolution has received support from organizations such as Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Vet Voice Foundation, Minority Veterans of America, Common Defense, Modern Military Association of America, Service Women’s Action Network, Reproductive Freedom for All, National Partnership for Women & Families, American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproductive Rights, Guttmacher Institute, National Council of Jewish Women, National Women’s Law Center Action Fund, Planned Parenthood Federation of America and Power to Decide.
Senator Hirono has previously advocated for expanded reproductive healthcare access for veterans after Roe v. Wade was overturned by the Supreme Court in June 2022.
Other cosponsors include Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Angus King (I-ME), Jack Reed (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI).
The full text of the resolution can be accessed online.
