NJ attorney general joins multistate coalition opposing proposed VA abortion rule change
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing a comment letter opposing a proposed federal rule that would restrict abortion services at Department of Veterans Affairs health centers.
The proposed rule, published by the Department of Veterans Affairs on Aug. 4, would rescind a 2024 regulation that allows veterans, their dependents and survivors to access abortion care in cases of rape, incest or when a patient’s life or health is at risk. It would also roll back access to abortion counseling at VA facilities.
According to Platkin’s office, the coalition argues the proposed rule is inconsistent with long-standing policies that permit exceptions to abortion restrictions, creates confusion between its regulatory text and preamble, and fails to set clear standards for when care could be provided. The letter also contends the VA’s justification is legally insufficient.
The attorneys general of California, Massachusetts, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and the District of Columbia also joined the filing.
The VA first issued its reproductive health services rule in September 2022 on an interim basis following the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. The rule was finalized in March 2024 after a public comment period.
