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NRLC Letter Supporting H.R. 4366 (MilCon/VA appropriations)

Jul 26, 2023 | AHC

RE: In support of H.R. 4366– Making appropriations for military construction and the Department of Veterans Affairs (MilCon/VA)

Dear Member of Congress:

The National Right to Life Committee (NRLC), the nationwide federation of right-to-life organizations, writes to express our support of the MilCon/VA appropriations bill (H.R. 4366).

Permanent VA Statute Prohibits the IFR

Since 1992, the VA has been statutorily prohibited from using taxpayer dollars for abortion. On September 9, 2022, the administration disregarded this longstanding statutory prohibition on taxpayer funding for abortion at the VA and issued an interim final rule, “Reproductive Health Services,” 87 FR 55287 (IFR), including funding abortion for “health reasons.” The IFR authorizes the VA to provide taxpayer-funded abortions and abortion counseling to veterans, as well as eligible spouses and dependents, in direct conflict with both federal and state law.

Undefined Definition of “Health” Will Turn Veterans Clinics into Abortion Clinics

The undefined reference to health will mean, as in Doe v. Bolton (the companion case to Roe v. Wade), that abortions can be done for virtually any reason. The Court held in Doe that, “medical judgment may be exercised in the light of all factors—physical, emotional, psychological, familial, and the woman’s age—relevant to the wellbeing of the patient. All these factors may relate to health.”

For the past 30 years, women have long been able to receive care in the rare cases where the mother faced an emergency situation or life-threatening complication. Because there is nothing in the IFR which defines health, the health exception is not limited in any way. This means the VA is now providing abortion on demand, with no limits. One of the goals of this policy is to end-run around state laws that protect unborn children.

The MilCon/VA bill was amended in markup to prohibit funding to implement this policy.

Should you have any questions, please contact us at (202) 378-8863, or via e-mail at federallegislation@nrlc.org.

Sincerely,

Categories: AHC