Free Republic

On August 1, the Trump Administration quietly announced a rule change to end abortions at hospitals run by the Department of Veterans Affairs and stop paying for abortions and abortion counseling for veterans and their dependents. Up until September of 2022, VA hospitals generally did not perform or fund abortions except to save the life of the mother. Under the Biden Administration, the VA added broad “health” exceptions for abortion as part of an effort to expand abortion after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. Health exceptions for abortion are notoriously vague and can lead to abortion on...

WASHINGTON – Patients treated at Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics will be able to use medical marijuana in the 14 states where it's legal, according to new federal guidelines. The directive from the Veterans Affairs Department in the coming week is intended to clarify current policy that says veterans can be denied pain medication if they use illegal drugs. Veterans groups have complained for years that this could bar veterans from VA benefits if they were caught using medical marijuana. The new guidance does not authorize VA doctors to begin prescribing medical marijuana, which is considered an illegal drug...