The National Women’s Law Center fights for gender justice—in the courts, in public policy, and in our society.
Veterans’ Abortion Access Is on the Line
President Trump banned abortion care for veterans.
In December 2025 while veterans and their families were busy celebrating the holidays, the Trump administration secretly implemented a new policy that bans abortion for veterans, even in cases of rape, incest, or pregnancies that pose a serious health risk. This new policy applies nationwide, regardless of the state law around abortion access.
The policy bans abortion care for veterans and their loved ones at VA unless they are on the brink of death, and bans abortion counseling in all circumstances. It does not include exceptions for rape or incest despite the high rates of sexual trauma among veterans.
In response, federal lawmakers introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to overturn the Trump administration’s cruel ban and reinstate abortion access for veterans. We need Congress to protect veterans by passing the CRA resolution and preserving veterans’ access to essential health care.
This is an extreme abortion ban that applies to veterans across the country, no matter where they live. The Trump administration is confirming what we’ve always known—that it will use everything in its power to ban abortion access for everyone, everywhere.
Veterans fought for our freedoms. Now we must fight for theirs. Tell Congress to vote YES on the CRA resolution to protect veterans’ health and abortion access.
TAKE ACTION
NWLC Public Comment Opposing VA Proposed Rule to Ban Abortion Care and Counseling
The National Women’s Law Center submitted a public comment on the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) proposed rule on “Reproductive Health Services.” The Department’s proposal would harm veterans and their loved ones by stripping away access to abortion care and counseling.
Learn More
Trump-Vance Administration Bans Abortion Care and Counseling for Veterans in Secret
National Women’s Law Center, Democracy Forward and Minority Veterans of America Condemn Administration’s Treatment of Veterans, Commit to Fighting Cruel New Policy.
The VA is Ripping Away Abortion Care for Veterans... Again
This isn’t just a rollback. It’s a deliberate erasure of rights that we fought for in the wake of deeply personal and collective loss.
Department of Veterans Affairs quietly implements abortion ban
A VA spokesperson confirmed to MS NOW that the ban was in place following a Department of Justice memo.