The Trump Administration, in its typical pattern of slashing reproductive rights for women and birthing people, has proposed to reverse the 2022 Biden-era coverage of abortion care for those receiving health benefits from the Veterans Affairs Administration. Coverage of abortion for veterans and their families was provided in 2022 in response to the egregious reversal of Roe v Wade, to allow veterans and their families access to reproductive health care, whether they live in a state with an abortion ban or not. The VA rationalizes the removal of coverage for abortion by stating that abortion services are not “needed” healthcare for veterans and their families. New York Midwives stands in strong opposition to the further erosion of reproductive freedom, especially for those who sacrifice to protect the freedoms we all treasure.
Reproductive rights remain a battleground with all the usual players: misogyny, racism, and patriarchy. The right to decide when, whether, and how to have a child is fundamental to a person’s autonomy, dignity, and equality. This right affects every aspect of a person’s life – economic status, educational aspirations, career goals, health, and family well-being. Women and people capable of reproduction have always wanted to decide, for themselves, whether or not to be pregnant, give birth, and raise children. The ability to choose whether or not to be pregnant is a basic human right.
We request that those who stand with us in support of reproductive freedom register comments by September 3, 2025, regarding the proposed removal of abortion coverage for veterans and their families by going to this link:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/04/2025-14687/reproductive-health-services
Please use the text below, or write your own:
American veterans and their families have made sacrifices in service to the freedoms we all cherish, including our right to reproductive freedom. New York Midwives honors this sacrifice, and we stand with veterans in opposing any limitations on their reproductive health care, including unfettered access to abortion. As midwives, we trust that reproductive-aged persons are the experts of their own well-being, and we support each person’s right to self-determination, access to comprehensive health information, and active participation in all aspects of care.
More:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/04/2025-14687/reproductive-health-services
