Ernst Fights for Transparency on Abortions Facilitated by the VA

WASHINGTON- As the Biden administration doubles down on its abortion agenda, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), a mother and combat veteran, introduced the VA Abortion Transparency Act to require the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase transparency on abortion procedures.

In 2022, the Biden administration's VA announced it would begin providing abortions for veterans and their dependents through the taxpayer-funded VA health care system. Despite multiple congressional inquiries and questions regarding the legality of such a change in long-standing policy, the VA implemented the regulation. The VA reported in October 2023 that from September 9, 2022, to September 30, 2023, the agency facilitated 88 abortions. The VA has refused to release updated data regarding additional abortions since this last report despite multiple congressional letters requesting the data.

Among several data requests, this effort would mandate quarterly reports on the total number of abortions facilitated through the VA, the method through which the abortions are being conducted, and the number of gestational weeks at which point the abortions are occurring.

"As a mom, new grandma, and 23-year combat veteran and retired lieutenant colonel of our great United States Army, I firmly believe that the VA should be focused on improving American lives, not destroying them," said Senator Ernst. "While thousands of suicide hotline calls at the VA are going unanswered, this federal agency should be fully focused on providing our vets with timely and quality care, not bolstering Biden's radical abortion agenda. I'm leading the charge for full transparency on the VA's misuse and abuse of our precious taxpayer resources."

Background:

Since Biden's Pentagon announced it would pay for the travel expenses of servicemembers and their dependents to receive an abortion, Ernst has led the charge in calling on the Biden administration to end this policy and worked to reverse it through legislation.

Last year, Ernst exposed VA workers for taking bubble baths on the taxpayer's dime while failing to support our veterans. She continues to conduct critical oversight of the VA's telework policies.

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