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| VA Secretary Denis McDonough |
During testimony before the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville asked VA Secretary Denis McDonough how many abortions have taken place at VA facilities. McDonough admitted that one abortion has been committed since the policy took effect on Sept. 9.
The Biden administration's rule allows VA clinics to commit abortions for pregnant veterans and eligible dependents in cases of rape, incest, or if the health of the mother is threatened. The administration even argues that the VA can commit these abortions in states where abortion is illegal.
“States may not impose criminal or civil liability on VA employees—including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff—who provide or facilitate abortions or related services in a manner authorized by federal law, including VA’s rule,” a statement from the Department of Justice reads. “The Supremacy Clause bars state officials from penalizing VA employees for performing their federal functions, whether through criminal prosecution, license revocation proceedings, or civil litigation.”
Rep. Mike Bost (R-IL) is the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. He notes that the Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 prohibits the VA from committing abortions. To this point, he demanded that McDonough provide answers to legal questions and challenged the new policy's legality. Bost's full letter to Secretary McDonough can be read here.
“The Biden Administration is violating the will of the American people who don’t want their tax dollars used to pay for abortion at VA,” Bost said in a statement. “VA is also clearly violating the law, which has prohibited abortion at VA for 30 years. By using unelected bureaucrats to make policy decisions better left to duly elected representatives, VA is undercutting our constitutional process and the sanctity of life at the same time. This executive overreach is frighteningly common under President Biden. It is illegal, wrong, and must stop.”
