Congressman Chris Smith, R-N.J., co-chair of the House Pro-Life Caucus, publicly welcomed the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) decision to reverse a Biden-era regulation that had allowed taxpayer-funded abortions at VA hospitals.
In a statement issued Aug.1, Smith commended President Trump and VA Secretary Doug Collins for what he called a restoration of “humane” and lawful standards.
“In reversing the Biden Administration’s VA abortion policy,” Smith said, “President Trump and Secretary Collins both honor the will of the American people, who do not support their taxpayer dollars paying for abortions, and affirm that VA healthcare facilities are places to heal, not violently end the lives of unborn children through the grisly act of abortion.”
The VA confirmed July 31 that it plans to roll back the 2022 policy, formally rescinding abortion services from programs like the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) and VA medical centers. The rule change aligns with longstanding calls from pro-life advocates to remove abortion from federally funded veterans’ healthcare.
Smith characterized the original policy as illegal and contrary to the purpose of the VA system. He accused the Biden administration of undermining the mission of veterans’ healthcare with what he called an “abortion obsession.”
Smith, who formerly chaired the House Committee on Veterans Affairs, emphasized that the VA must remain focused on genuine medical care.
“President Trump’s compassionate reversal of Biden’s illegal rule restores longstanding law and bipartisan consensus,” he said, “and allows the VA to remain focused on life-saving, life-enhancing healthcare, rather than taxpayer-funded abortion-on-demand.”
Smith’s reaction to the VA policy shift aligns with his long-standing legislative focus on pro-life issues. He co-co-sponsored the Let Pregnancy Centers Serve Act, a bill introduced in March that aims to prevent federal agencies from withholding support or access from pro-life pregnancy centers.
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