Abortions will continue to be committed at Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals, as the Democrat-controlled Senate voted down a resolution Wednesday that would overturn the policy implemented last year.
In February, two lawmakers introduced a resolution to block an interim rule allowing abortions to be committed in cases of rape, incest, or if the health of the mother is in jeopardy. Under the rule, VA hospitals are also able to provide abortion counseling and coordinate abortions with private-sector abortionists. Senator Tommy Tuberville and Representative Michael Cloud tried to prevent the rule from being implemented, but failed in a narrow 48-51 vote.
In addition to his resolution, Tuberville has blocked military promotions, vowing to continue doing so until the rule was dropped. So far, he has blocked the promotions of an estimated 160 general and flag officer nominees. “This is about not forcing the taxpayers of this country to fund abortion,” he said earlier this month. “You all got the American taxpayer on the hook to pay for travel and time off for elective abortions. And you did not make this with anybody in this room or Congress taking a vote.”
Tuberville also said that the rule violates 1992 law, which states that the VA can provide reproductive health care, with the exception of “infertility services, abortions or pregnancy care,” unless that care is service-connected. “This administration doesn’t get to change the law just because they feel like it,” he said in a press conference before the vote. “It’s a slap in the face to people who don’t want to pay for abortions.”
Though this resolution failed, the rule may still be overturned. A nurse sued the VA in December, claiming that the rule violated her religious freedom because it does not allow for any religious exemptions. Stephanie Carter, a nurse practitioner and Army veteran, said her supervisor refused her request to opt out of handling and dispensing abortion pills. Carter’s lawsuit could still serve to put an end to abortions at VA hospitals.
Since the rule was put into place, 34 abortions have been committed at VA hospitals, according to a statement the VA gave to Military.com.
