Dept. of Veterans Affairs to offer abortions in Texas under certain circumstances

File / eExtra News

Despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to end nationwide protection against banning abortions, which Texas did soon after the SCOTUS decision, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has said they will provide access to abortions in certain circumstances – including to those living in Texas, where abortion is now illegal.

According to the VA, it will provide abortions for veterans and their beneficiaries in cases of medical necessity, rape, or incest. According to The Texas Tribune, Texas is home to more than 1.5 million veterans, and 193,000 of those are women – more than any other state.

“This is a patient safety decision,” VA Secretary Denis McDonough said. “Pregnant Veterans and VA beneficiaries deserve to have access to world-class reproductive care when they need it most. That’s what our nation owes them, and that’s what we at VA will deliver.”

Officials said that in providing these abortions, the VA is providing “access to medically necessary abortions” which is “essential for preserving the life and health of Veterans and VA beneficiaries.”