California's Attorney General, Rob Bonta, has taken initiative by leading a coalition of six attorneys general in a move to engage with Trump administration officials to discuss a federal rule concerning reproductive health services for veterans and their families. The rule, titled "Reproductive Health Services," is designed to ensure veterans have access to abortion counseling and services when the patient's life is endangered or in cases of rape or incest. Currently, the Trump administration is reviewing this rule, which raises concerns about its potential rollback.
Attorney General Bonta emphasized the necessity of reproductive health services, saying, "My fellow attorneys general and I are requesting a meeting with Veterans Affairs Secretary Collins and OMB Director Vought because we strongly believe that our veterans and their families deserve access to necessary healthcare services — including abortion care." He further added, "We are concerned that the Trump Administration may be taking action to eliminate or rescind the important protections provided by this Rule."
The rule came into focus following the VA's announcement of its interim version on September 2, 2022, after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Subsequently, Attorney General Bonta, along with 23 other attorneys general, voiced support for the rule through a comment letter. The final version of the rule was established on March 4, 2024.
The attorneys general conveyed their points in a formal letter stating that: "The Rule fills a significant gap in healthcare for an important population, offering veterans and their families access to the same healthcare services available to many civilians." They highlighted the necessity of prompt medical care in situations involving pregnancy and miscarriage complications and the importance of providing abortion services in cases of rape or incest.
Joining Bonta in this initiative are the attorneys general from Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Washington. They are collectively calling for an urgent meeting to discuss the potential impacts of revising the rule on veterans and their families.
The full content of the letter and further information on related meetings are accessible online.