This week marks 53 years since the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, a decision that reshaped our nation by affirming women’s autonomy over their bodies and their futures. In 2022, that progress was reversed when the Supreme Court overturned Roe in Dobbs v. Jackson — stripping away a fundamental freedom that generations of women relied upon.
The Dobbs decision was an attack on women’s rights and on the freedom to make deeply personal health care decisions without government interference
Policies implemented by President Trump and Republicans in Congress have only exacerbated this attack, further gutting reproductive freedom and dismantling critical health care protections for women across the country.
Most recently, the Trump administration enacted a near-total ban on abortion and abortion counseling at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The new regulations rolled back a Biden-era policy that allowed VA providers to offer abortion counseling and care in cases of rape, incest, or when the life or health of the veteran was at risk. The new rule reinstates sweeping restrictions, creates dangerous ambiguity, and leaves doctors uncertain about what care they can legally provide — even in life-threatening situations.
To protect women veterans’ rights, I introduced the Reproductive Freedom for Veterans Act to ensure veterans and eligible dependents can access abortion care, medication, and counseling through the VA without political interference and with the full force of the law behind them.
Women veterans are the fastest-growing and most diverse part of our military community. Denying them comprehensive reproductive health care is a betrayal of our commitment to those who have served. Veterans fought to defend our freedoms. They should not have to fight for the freedom to control their own bodies.
I stand with women in this country to protect reproductive freedom, safeguard public health, and ensure access to affordable, high-quality care. House Democrats will not allow Republicans’ extreme policies to endanger lives, dismantle women’s rights, or weaken the freedoms Americans depend on.
Resources for You
You can stay up-to-date on my work by visiting my new Holding the Trump Administration Accountable page, which details how House Democrats are using every tool at our disposal — including legislation, litigation, and oversight — to protect our communities and defend the rights of the American people.
I have also compiled a list of official resources to support our community during these challenging times. You can access them here.
There is much work ahead, and the stakes could not be higher. As always, my office remains open to assist you. If you or someone you know needs casework help with a federal agency, please do not hesitate to contact my office at (805) 379-1779. I’m here to help.
Sincerely,
JULIA BROWNLEY,
Member of Congress
Issues: 119th Congress, Healthcare