Mercer Times

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has taken action alongside attorneys general from five other states, expressing concerns over a potential rollback of abortion care for veterans and their families. The group addressed their worries in a letter sent to Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russell Vought, urging a meeting with Trump Administration officials.

The rule under scrutiny, known as the "Reproductive Health Services" Rule, allows the VA and its Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA) to offer abortion counseling and services in specific circumstances, such as when the patient's life is at risk or in cases of self-reported rape or incest. The administration is currently reviewing this rule.

“Veterans who have served our country deserve access to quality health care across the board, and that includes reproductive and abortion care,” stated Attorney General Platkin. He emphasized the significance of the rule, noting the potential hardships that could arise from blocking access to these medical services.

The VA had issued an interim version of the rule on September 2, 2022, following the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. Platkin, along with 23 other attorneys general, supported this measure aimed at enhancing reproductive freedom. On March 4, 2024, after considering public feedback, the VA adopted the rule officially.

The attorneys general highlighted several critical points in their letter, noting that the rule addresses a gap in healthcare, thus ensuring veterans and their families get the same reproductive services accessible to civilians. They also pointed out that complications from pregnancy or miscarriage often need prompt medical treatment, which might involve abortion services.

They further stressed that allowing abortion in cases of self-reported rape or incest is crucial due to the widespread issue of sexual violence, which has notable health implications. According to the letter, veterans experience higher rates of sexual trauma than their civilian peers.

The letter emphasizes the necessity of abortion counseling as part of patient-centered care, fostering trust between healthcare providers and patients. The group seeks a prompt meeting with administration officials to further discuss the rule's significance.

Besides New Jersey's AG Platkin, the letter was co-signed by the attorneys general from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Washington.