The U.S. Division of Veterans Affairs constructing is seen in Washington, D.C., in 2019.

Alastair Pike/AFP by way of Getty Pictures

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Alastair Pike/AFP by way of Getty Pictures

The U.S. Division of Veterans Affairs constructing is seen in Washington, D.C., in 2019.

Alastair Pike/AFP by way of Getty Pictures

The Division of Veterans Affairs says it’s going to begin offering abortions in sure circumstances, even in states the place it is unlawful or restricted.

The brand new coverage got here in response to the current U.S. Supreme Court docket resolution overturning Roe v. Wade, which allowed state governments to resolve whether or not to allow abortions.

Since then, plenty of states have carried out full bans on the process or drastically restricted it.

Now, the VA says it is stepping in to supply abortions to be able to defend the well being and lives of veterans in locations the place they will not entry such reproductive care.

Underneath a new interim remaining rule, pregnant veterans and VA beneficiaries will have the ability to get abortions if their life or well being could be at risk if the being pregnant went to time period. Sufferers whose pregnancies had been the results of rape or incest can even be eligible for abortions.

The division mentioned it might put together to supply the companies in as many locations as potential as quickly because the rule is printed.

“We got here to this resolution after listening to VA well being care suppliers and Veterans throughout the nation, who sounded the alarm that abortion restrictions are making a medical emergency for these we serve,” Dr. Shereef Elnahal, the VA’s undersecretary for well being, mentioned in an announcement.

“Providing this care will save Veterans’ well being and lives, and there may be nothing extra essential than that,” he added.

The division mentioned determinations of whether or not a pregnant particular person’s life or well being was at risk could be made on a case-by-case foundation and contain session between VA well being care suppliers and sufferers.

The division says its workers are capable of keep away from state restrictions “when working inside the scope of their federal employment.”