U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R), along with a group of Senate and House Republicans, sent a letter to Veterans Affair Secretary Doug Collins, calling for the repeal of a Biden-era rule allowing abortion services at VA facilities.
The lawmakers argue that the rule violates the veterans Health Care Act of 1992, which prohibits the Department of Veteran Affairs from providing abortion services except in life-threatening medical emergencies. They also cite Hyde Amendment protections that restrict the use of federal funds for most abortions.
"The Biden rule was an unconstitutional overreach that was not authorized by clear statutory authority," the lawmakers argued in the letter. "Congress passed the Veterans Healthcare Act of 1992, which specifically prohibits VA from providing abortion services unless a medical emergency presents a threat to the life of the mother."
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R) led the letter, which was signed by 11 Senators and 58 members of the House of Representatives.
The lawmakers praised the Trump administration for what they describe as a return to "genuine and lawful health care practices" under President Trump (R).
The Biden Administration's 2022 policy allowed VA medical centers to provide abortion services in limited cases, including rape, incest, or when a mother's life was at risk.
The VA has not yet released a public response.
